In recent years, large-scale redevelopment around Shibuya Station has created a wide variety of new public spaces, including plazas and pedestrian areas. At the same time, there are still aspects that have not yet been fully organized or examined, such as how these spaces should be used and nurtured into attractive places for people.
Our predecessor organization, the Shibuya Smart City Association, conducted research on the use of public spaces during DIG SHIBUYA 2025. In collaboration with Gehl Architects, which has a strong global track record in public space and urban design, YOMIKO ADVERTISING INC., university laboratories, and other partners, the initiative analyzed how people stay and move through Shibuya and how its spaces are used. (*1)
Building on this effort, Public Life Lab is undertaking a project to explore what experiences in public spaces should look like in a way that is distinctly Shibuya. This article provides an update on the project’s progress.
*1 Reference: Telling Shibuya, Tokyo’s story through human-centered data
Starting with Stakeholder Interviews
The project began with interviews of businesses and organizations involved in redevelopment and area management around Shibuya Station.
By organizing each organization’s approach to urban development and its understanding of current challenges, we worked to establish a foundation for considering the future of Shibuya’s public spaces.
The interviews highlighted the importance not only of developing physical infrastructure, but also of creating mechanisms that encourage people’s activities and interactions and support the continuous management of these spaces.
Exploring Shibuya with Gehl Architects: A “Walk Shop”
In March 2026, we welcomed Sophia Schuff and Leon Legeland of Gehl Architects for a walking tour of Miyamasuzaka, Dogenzaka, the East Exit Plaza of Shibuya Station, and other locations.
During the tour, Shibuya City officials explained redevelopment plans and current challenges in each area as participants visited sites expected to undergo major changes in the years ahead.
Gehl Architects has practiced people-centered urban development around the world, focusing on how people spend time in public spaces. During the walk, participants exchanged ideas not only on the development and design of the spaces, but also on how people could spend time in them.
Envisioning “Public Spaces That Are Distinctly Shibuya” with Stakeholders
Also in March, we held the Shibuya Public Life Co-Creation Workshop at SHIBUYA QWS.
Approximately 40 participants attended, including representatives from Shibuya City, local stakeholders, and redevelopment companies. Gehl Architects shared leading international examples and perspectives on activating public spaces.
The participants then took part in group discussions on the following three themes:
• What constitutes an experience that is distinctly Shibuya?
• What kinds of activities and events should emerge in Shibuya?
• Who needs to be involved to bring these ideas to life?
Participants contributed perspectives from their respective positions and exchanged ideas on what public spaces that are distinctly Shibuya could look like, as well as the activities and interactions that could take place within them.
Gehl’s Recommendations for Revitalizing the Area around Shibuya Station
In July, we co-hosted the Shibuya Public Life Co-Creation Workshop Report Session with Shibuya City at Shibuya City Office. More than 100 people attended, including local stakeholders and representatives of redevelopment companies.
At the session, Gehl Architects presented recommendations for the use of public spaces around Shibuya Station, drawing on insights gathered through the walking tour, workshop, and related activities.
The recommendations emphasized the importance of creating experiences and activities that encourage people to return, while making the most of each area’s distinctive characteristics and appeal, and of developing these initiatives sustainably. The session provided an opportunity for participants to deepen their shared understanding.
From Research to Implementation
Building on these studies and recommendations, Public Life Lab will work with Shibuya City to examine strategies and policy development for tourism and urban development.
Drawing on leading examples from Japan and overseas as well as specialist expertise, we believe it is necessary to continue identifying the perspectives and conditions needed in Shibuya and to explore mechanisms for activating and using public spaces through study sessions with local stakeholders and pilot projects. We also hope to translate these outcomes into discussions with Shibuya City, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, and the national government, as well as into visitor strategies and institutional frameworks, helping to realize people-centered public spaces that are uniquely Shibuya.
This article was translated into English using AI.
Photo credit: Yomiko Advertising Inc. + Gehl Architects
