Shibuya Stream is a large scale composite facility, created from redeveloping the old Tokyu Toyoko Line Shibuya Station platform, track, and surrounding area. The project began with the concept of creating a new “stream” for the next generation, a “Mecca for creative workers”; a place where new things created through the experiences, interactions, and challenges taken, would be sent out into the world.

The project aims to generate a new culture in Shibuya and to bring new life to the Southern Area of Shibuya Station. It is targeted at creative people and is intended as a place that provides them with daily inspiration. WOW was in charge of planning the environment and designing the experiences for a giant monitor which is located at the 100-meter walkway connecting the second floor to Shibuya Station, the giant wall projection set up at the entrance and the large staircase connecting the building to Meiji Street.

Aims
Great care was taken to avoid restricting creativity and talent when designing Shibuya Stream, which would become an iconic facility in the Shibuya Station Southern Area. Regeneration of the Shibuya River Area was already being carried out by the public and private sectors. On the pedestrian deck, we aimed to draw out the innate creativity of people going about their daily lives and people just passing through by creating a natural setting with a “gentle barrier” of sound that would alleviate outside noise.

The concept was called “INNER STREAM” and we created three settings.

1. Invisible Stream - Huge wall projection located in Shibuya Stream’s second floor entrance
Creative workers’ entire thinking process, from conceptualization to completion, is visualized in the form of an “invisible stream”. Using “stream” as a motive, water, rivers, fog, and light are projected along with various study processes from “Finished Work”, computer graphics and programming. The aim is to connect with the onlooker’s power of imagination and enable each individual to have a different visual experience.

2. Fall Stream - Video system embedded into the staircase connected to Meiji Street
Varied projections that surge up into the staircase from a vortex of sound. By using motives of natural phenomena, such as water and waterfalls, it should be space where people wanting to connect with the harmony of Shibuya River can feel at ease.

3. Barrier Stream - Sonic architecture throughout the second floor walkway and the large staircase connecting the building to Meiji Street
Created in collaboration with the musician and sonic artist, Evala. The concept was of a wind blowing across the open space of Shibuya Stream. Furthermore, the sound cancels out the noise from trains and cars which could otherwise be heard in the building. Mixing field recordings from Shibuya River with the sound of the wind blowing through the trees and waves crashing, a highly original melody is created, where the same sound will not be heard twice. By using speakers to block out the noise of the city, an environment which fosters creativity is realized.

Case Study, Background of the Project▶CASE STUDY

SHIBUYA STREAM
Address：3-21-3 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Access：Tokyu Toyoko Line, Denentoshi Line, Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line, Fukutoshin Line “Shibuya Station” 16b exit direct connection