International interior architecture firm shares stunning photos of mesm Tokyo, Autograph Collection
Globally renowned interior design firm Wilson Associates is excited to present its design of the new mesm Tokyo, Autograph Collection. Located in a sprawling new urban development just east of Tokyo’s central business district, dubbed the heart of WATERS Takeshiba, the recently renamed destination will offer travelers near and far an inviting reprieve from the buzzing wharf. The mesm Tokyo, Autograph Collection features 265 guestrooms and suites, stunning public spaces, and two distinct dining outlets.
For the Autograph Collection’s second property in Japan, Wilson Associates’ Singapore studio sought to evoke the philosophy of ‘Kando’ with the design narrative rooted toward the Tokyo Waves branding. With each aspect of the design, the Singapore studio wanted to inspire all five senses within a five-star hospitality experience.
“Kando is an emotional and spiritual involvement,” said Leonard Lee, Regional Managing Director, Wilson Associates’ Singapore & Tokyo studios. “It is the spirit of being able to connect with our guests and elicit a deep and elusive emotional response. It is our constant pursuit to create interior spaces that engage sensory perceptions. It is what touches you rather than what you can see.”
Drawing inspiration from the organic movements of the surrounding Takeshiba waterfront and the historic neighboring Hamarikyu Garden, the Wilson Associates design concept creates an engaging environment in which cultural tradition and modern innovation coexist in perfect harmony. The sensory experience begins at the arrival lobby with interiors designed to replicate both indoor and outdoor spaces, anchored by two art installations flanking the walkway.
The experience continues to the reception and main public facilities on the 16th floor. The two-story reception lobby is designed in homage of Nihonbashi during the Edo period which was bustling with an array of merchants and shops. Spanning the length of the lobby is an installation by Sawada Studios inspired by the patterns of the sun’s reflection on the surface of the Shioiri No Ike, the only remaining saltwater pond found within the neighboring Hama-rikyu Gardens. This installation is set against a backdrop of geometric tiles that mimic the falling leaves during Autumn.
The reception area is tucked into a quiet space to create intimacy and privacy, akin to a shop along Nihonbashi. Here, two dramatic art installations celebrate the art of origami. An animated communal table sits at the center of the lobby, inviting activity and social interaction. The smoky-grey marble path leads guests further inside, where furnishings with soft forms and tactile textures juxtapose the lobby’s architectural language. Accent lighting and copper finishes encourage a sense of nostalgia and give the design scheme a distinct personality for visitors to explore.
Private guest rooms and suites are designed to further underscore a meticulous dedication to unexpected luxury, where each experience seeks to delight and comfort visitors. Accommodations are appointed with inviting tones and intricate detailing—all while capitalizing on sweeping views of the nearby park and Tokyo Bay. In every guestroom, there is a unique feature of an overhanging tree on the bulkhead located over the lounge area.
This gesture is a nod to the small pavilions found in Hamarikyu Garden, often sheltered by luscious overhanging branches. Functional spaces include a defined powder room, collapsible closet cubicle or walk-in closet, and a spacious living room. Each room is anchored by a bespoke console in its entryway, serving as a platform for the hotel to engage with guests through a rotating offering of personalized surprises. The hotel has partnered with BE@RBRICK to design a one-off special edition BEAR that sits on this platform. Guests may purchase this if they wish.
The detail-oriented design creates a sense of intimacy and nostalgia, re-affirming the emotional undercurrent of ‘Kando’—Wilson Associates’ theme for the hotel.
Carrying that energy through the mesm Tokyo’s public spaces, the ballroom and banquet spaces are defined by a tailored simplicity, anchored by accent, lacquered doors that recall the azure hues of the nearby Tokyo Bay — drawing the eye upward to the intricate architectural geometry of the ceiling. Adding a residential layer to the conventional banquet scheme, the design team also incorporated a show kitchen into the space to further reinforce a feeling of familiarity among guests.
Beyond the banquet spaces, two unique food and beverage outlets are situated just beyond the lobby. The first, and more formal of the two, Chef’s Theatre, is inspired by the ancient Japanese Kabuki. A suspended art installation by Sawada anchors the dining room, re-imagining the strong lines of the kimono into a figure decidedly more delicate.
Surrounding the installation are furnishings that reflect a modern European character, mirroring the menu’s French “bistronomy” style dishes. The East-West contrast embodies the spirit of Kando, stimulating the senses and engaging the palette.
For a more casual, lounge-style setting, Whisk serves select meals and inventive, original cocktails in an intriguing space. A standout, cantilevered marble bar top acts as Whisk’s central draw, embodying a bold juxtaposition between the surface’s bright reflection and its dark, black composition.
Various seating arrangements create further contrast through the use of simple Western lines and sophisticated Eastern detailing—prioritizing guest comfort above all.
“Our passion in design is what drives us,” said Lee. “Design is emotion, an intimate connection between the designers and the guests. It is a connection at the deepest level of customer experience. We always strive to create interiors that have a chance of leaving the deepest imprint for our client and their customers.”
mesm Tokyo, Autograph Collection officially opened in April 2020 and is anticipated to host stays during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.
