Asahi Beer Hall, Commercial building in Azumabashi, Japan
The Asahi Beer Hall is a building of the Asahi Breweries headquarters on the east bank of the Sumida River in Sumida, Tokyo. Designed by Philippe Starck and completed in 1989, it is shaped like a beer glass to complement the neighbouring golden beer-mug building. On its dark rectangular base sits the Asahi Flame, a glossy golden form with a rounded end and a tapered point extending to the right.
French designer Philippe Starck created this modern structure in 1989 as part of the Asahi Breweries headquarters complex. The building marks an important moment in Tokyo's architectural evolution during the late 1980s modernization period.
The building displays design choices that connect to beer making – its shape echoes a glass, while the golden sculpture on top represents foam from the brewing process. These artistic details turn the structure into a landmark that reflects the brewery's identity and heritage.
The building stands on the east bank of the Sumida River, about three minutes on foot from Asakusa Station on the opposite side of the river. The golden flame sits on the roof of the dark rectangular base, above a white elevated roadway with water below, so it is seen from the riverside and the surrounding streets rather than from inside.
The 360-ton golden rooftop sculpture was built using techniques normally employed in submarine construction. Specialists from the shipbuilding industry were required to accomplish this unusual and complex engineering feat.
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