OMO7 Yokohama by Hoshino Resorts Hamaism Collection

OMO7 Yokohama by Hoshino Resorts has opened in BASEGATE Yokohama Kannai in front of JR Kannai Station, utilizing the former Yokohama City Hall administrative building as a legacy hotel. In the OMO Base on the first floor of the hotel, which has "Hamaism" as its facility concept, there is an exhibition called "Hamaism Collection" that introduces the culture and history of Yokohama. With the cooperation of the Yokohama City Urban Development Bureau and the Yokohama City Hometown History Foundation, our company was in charge of planning, basic concept, design, production, and construction.

"Hamaism" is a spirit that thrives in Yokohama, a love for authenticity and a cherishing of the old. In this project, we designed it as a gradient of experiences, from the diverse culture of Yokohama to the deep memories of its architecture.

At the entrance to the exhibition, playful models of Neapolitan spaghetti and ice cream are displayed, along with symbolic arrangements of Yokohama-born culture such as railways, gas lamps, and Hamatora (Yokohama Traditional). These eye-catching features stimulate curiosity and draw the viewer's gaze further inside.
Furthermore, after exhibits such as the Noge Miyakobashi Shopping Street, which embodies "Not Scrap & Build" (*), the story unfolds into a world infused with respect for the renowned architect Togo Murano. Taizan tiles and brass door handles inherited from the former Yokohama City Hall have been reassembled as living pieces.
In designing the fixtures, we thoroughly plan the lighting, carefully designing it so that each exhibit stands out in its most beautiful way while blending in with the tone of the architecture.
 

*Not Scrap & Build: This approach focuses on preserving and utilizing existing buildings, rather than demolishing old buildings and rebuilding them.
 

Hoshino Resorts requested that their facility concept, "A High-Mood Hamai-ism," be elevated not merely as an informational display, but as an integral part of the hotel stay experience. In particular, they wanted to create an approachable yet profound exhibition space that would naturally spark interest in the town's identity, even among younger guests who have fewer opportunities to engage with history.

Furthermore, it was crucial not only to preserve the memory of the historic former city hall, but also to re-evaluate it as a valuable resource for modern urban life and tourism. The design mission was to present a sustainable way of cultural inheritance that is uniquely Yokohama, rather than simply demolishing and rebuilding.

To bridge the rich history of the architecture with the sensibilities of modern guests, we designed the experience with a gradual increase in resolution.

○ Creating hooks: Pop-style models of "Yokohama-born culture" that everyone can enjoy, such as Neapolitan spaghetti, ice cream, and Hamatora, lower the psychological barrier to entry.

○Presenting the Spirituality: Through examples such as the Noge Miyakobashi Shopping Street, we will visualize the "Not Scrap & Build" spirit that is rooted in the community.

○ Establishing the Legacy: Finally, experience the authentic feel of Togo Murano's designs (tiles and handles).

Through this gradient of experiences that connects "enjoyment to profound emotion," we have created a new exhibition concept design that allows visitors to grasp historical value on a personal level.