Hillside Terrace Apartment

The Hillside Terrace Apartment development in Tokyo, Japan, is a housing and commercial complex designed by Fumihiko Maki. Constructed in multiple stages between 1967 and 1992, it exemplifies Maki's architectural philosophy of blending Modernist principles with Japanese traditions.1

Maki aimed to create structures that retained a sense of human scale, unlike the imposing megastructures proposed by some other Metabolist architects. The Hillside Terrace complex uses classic Modernist materials such as concrete, glass, and metal. Maki's design emphasizes multiple layers of space, incorporating elements of private courtyards and garden spaces, which are integral to Japanese architecture. This approach sought to foster a sense of community and harmony by combining intimate spaces.1