Canopy by Hilton Osaka Umeda by NIKKEN SEKKEI LTD (Japan)
HACK Local Identity and Culture - Representing New Osaka
Canopy by Hilton is a lifestyle brand rooted in the concept of “neighbourhood” and grounded in the local area. It features designs and services that exploit the distinct qualities of the surroundings. Canopy by Hilton Osaka Umeda is located in the Grand Green Osaka’s North Building, adjacent to Umekita Park. The tower incorporates public spaces and guest rooms overlooking the park on the upper floors and a cafe on the first floor.
The design concept is “HACK Osaka.” HACK is the alteration of existing concepts, a mixture of new ideas, and rewriting of the conventional system. Through the Canopy brand's filter, the goal was to create a hotel representing a new Osaka by constructing a space that humorously HACKs Osaka's local identity and culture.
The public area—from the reception area to the restaurants, bar, rooftop garden, and meeting area—was envisioned to be seamlessly connected, producing a space where not only guests but diverse people, such as locals and office workers, can come together and enjoy different scenes that all unfold simultaneously. Various furniture, artwork, and playful elements such as seesaws and smart ball games are arranged to bring people closer together and create opportunities to engage with the neighbourhood.
In the guest rooms, canopies (also hinting at the brand’s name) are installed over the beds with graphic representations of Hideyoshi Toyotomi's (a Japanese warlord settled in Osaka) gourd-shaped battle standard and metasequoia trees planted in Umekita Park. A playful mini-bar designed to resemble a retro refrigerator and a creatively hacked Fukusuke doll, thought to have originated in the Kansai region, are among the striking design features that highlight Osaka's rich history and unique sense of humour, providing guests with a distinctive and entertaining experience.
A mix of various HACKed art and design elements recreates Osaka’s distinctly energetic and eclectic culture. We hope this hotel will become a place that leads to encounters with people and sparks new inspiration.
A3 Panel:
Team of Designer
