Vol.15Winter 2000

N E W S & N O T E S

THE OWNER’S POLICY WITH KAJIMA’S COMPREHENSIVE CAPABILITIES

HOTEL MONTEREY SERIES—Realizing True Hospitality by Combining

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Elevations

Offering a sense of high-class and refinement, theHOTEL MONTEREY SERIESis enjoying rising populari-ty for its distinctive charac-teristics, designing eachhotel according to a spe-cific theme. Beginning in1984 with work on HOTELMONTEREY SANNO inTokyo, up to the recentlyopened HOTEL MONTEREY

EDELHOF SAPPORO,Kajima Architectural andEngineering DesignDivision (Kajima Design)has handled nine hotelsin the HOTEL MONTEREYSERIES. This task includeda range of activities—fromplanning, design, and con-struction to the overseasprocurement of furniture,fixture, and equipment.

An ongoing theme for theHOTEL MONTEREY SERIEShas been Europe. For exam-ple, the HOTEL MONTEREYKOBE resembles a middle-age Italian monastery,HOTEL MONTEREY AMALIEis based on a 15th-century,Danish, luxury sailing ship,and HOTEL MONTEREYSAPPORO was planned inaccordance with traditional

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THE OWNER’S POLICY WITH KAJIMA’S COMPREHENSIVE CAPABILITIES

HOTEL MONTEREY SERIES—Realizing True Hospitality by Combining

KAJIMA News & Notes Vol. 15 | 3

English design. While pro-jecting such a diverse rangeof European themes, thesehotels are also developedbased on the concept of“hospitality one wouldexpect when invited by theowner of a mansion.” Thishotel series is carrying outa “paradoxical” develop-ment of its business thatruns counter to the presentconventional wisdom inJapan’s hotel industry.

In terms of size, thesehotels are not large enoughto compete with Japan’sleading hotel chains. Forexample, the HOTELMONTEREY GINZA andthe HOTEL MONTEREYLA SOEUR were opened in2000 as true “petite” hotelsin the image of a Parisianapartment. The first hotelsof their kind to be openedin urban centers, these

hotels are situated just ashort stroll from a mainstreet in a manner befittinga stylish boutique, whichgives them a special charmas “hidden private retreats.”

Regarding the interior,although perhaps initiallyconfused by the hotels’labyrinth-type lobbies,guests gradually becomeaccustomed to this envi-ronment and are given afeeling “that they havebeen a guest at a man-sion.” Adhering to respec-tive themes, each interiorencompassing furnitureand personal effects pro-duces picturesque spaces.Each hotel aims to projecta unique image by avoid-ing the use of existingdesigns for any items,ranging from logos topamphlets, restaurantnames, menus, uniforms,

and even such small itemsas matches. To ensure theproper execution of themes,Kajima Design is involvedas a team in the architec-ture, construction, interiordesign, and graphics.

The success of the HOTELMONTEREY SERIES isbrought about as a resultof blending the owner’spolicy of preference forrealizing true hospitalitywith Kajima Design’s con-cepts. Kajima’s relation-ship with the hotels’ owner,Osaka-based Maruito Co.,

Ltd., began when Kajimaintroduced them to avail-able land in Sanno and pro-posed the management ofa hotel. Among its wide-ranging real estate busi-nesses, Maruito is placingparticular emphasis on itshotel business and has asound policy for its devel-opment. Rather than rely-ing on ordinary marketsurveys, Maruito has for-mulated its own methodsto determine the locationsfor their hotels as well asthe future policies.

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In the actual work process,we use a specializedmethod called the ageingmethod to give the interioran antique finish. Also, wework together energetical-ly with workers on-site,focusing our attention onthe most minute details.This includes paintingpillars as true as stonesand intentionally crackingcarefully piled rocks toproject an old-fashionedimage. Such meticulousattention to detail ensuresthat Maruito’s ideas areskillfully projected onevery scale. For both theowner and designers of

On the other hand, KajimaDesign believes that oneof its crucial roles as aprofessional organizationis to serve as an overallcoordinator to skillfullysublimate the owner’sdesign preference. Fromthe planning phase todetailed design, for 15years Kajima Design andMaruito have continuallymade mutual proposals forconcepts for new hotels.

As part of efforts to estab-lish a clear-cut conceptand foster a deeper mutu-al understanding withMaruito when starting aproject, we make threeseparate observation tripstogether visiting foreigncities that will serve as thetheme for a hotel. On thefirst trip, we seek essentialconcepts by thoroughlyobserving the city, focus-ing on local hotels, monas-teries, and churches. Thesecond trip is to createconcrete ideas for hotelinterior work as well as fur-nishings and pictures. Onthe final trip, we make ourprocurements.

the HOTEL MONTEREYSERIES, profitability isanother critical criteria. Asthe manager, the ownernaturally makes stringentdemands to maximize theefficiency of floor space.To satisfy the demand,while still following thevery concept for the hotel,it becomes essential toadroitly use replica objectsalong with authentic arti-facts to convey the pointof the theme. KajimaDesign is well positionedto respond to such needswhile optimizing its ownprofitability.

Elevations

Through these efforts,despite their high-qualityand prime locations, wewere able to createreduced-priced hotels thatreceive overwhelmingpopularity with singlewomen, the hotels’ target-ed market. Boastingextremely high occupancyrates, these hotels havesuccessively secured notmere repeat customers,but what they call “HOTELMONTEREY SERIESrepeaters.” If an individualdesign company handledthe design, the hotels wouldmerely be a product thatemphasizes the architect’spride. However, by makingtotal support possible with-out limiting our involvementto segmented phases ofthe project, only the designdivision of a design-buildcompany could realizehotels that reflect the per-sonality of the owner aswell as further establish itsidentity in this continuouscollaborative process.

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From Japan

32nd Japan-U.S. Midwest Joint ConferenceOver a three-day period from September 10, 2000, the 32ndJapan-U.S. Midwest Joint Conference was held at theImperial Hotel in Tokyo. Kajima chairman Rokuro Ishikawaserved as the Japanese conference chairman. The Japan-U.S. Midwest Joint Conference was established in 1967 andis convened annually by businesspersons and opinion lead-ers from Japan and 10 U.S. Midwest states with the aim ofpromoting deeper mutual understanding and economic ties.Based on the theme“Globalization and Information

Technology,” this year’s conference was attended by 260 people, includingTakeo Hiranuma, Minister of International Trade and Industry, Kosaku Inaba,Chairman of the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and MasaruHayami, Governor of the Bank of Japan.

Participation in Internet Fair 2001 JapanTo celebrate the beginning of the new millennium and advance Internet use inJapan, the Japanese government will hold Internet Fair 2001 Japan. In this fair,each pavilion (Web site) will present its exhibition’s content on the Internet.Approximately 200 groups, including local public organizations and corpora-tions, will participate in the organization of various events over a period of oneyear, starting December 31, 2000. The Kajima Group chose the theme “2001:An Urban Odyssey” and has produced a Web site in which audiences all overthe world can enjoy and learn about the culture, design, and technology ofother cities and urban communities. Some of the main points of interest in theKajima Group’s Web site (http://www.inpaku.kajima.co.jp/) are:

(1) “Construction Museum”—an attempt to find entertainment in cities. Forexample, various episodes and technologies relating to such well-known city landmarks as skyscrapers andbridges are virtually presented from the past, present, and possible future through the use of computergraphics and movies.(2) “Design Forum”—the planning and designing of a city through the Internet by domestic and internationalteams. These teams will collaborate in an on-line forum to create futuristic city models. Broader participationis then required to discuss the cities created.(3) “Construction College”—an offering of Kajima’s extensive know-how and knowledge gained throughyears of experience. One course focuses on Construction CALS/EC (Continuous Acquisition and Life-CycleSupport/Electric Commerce) to implement information sharing.

Kajimaaround the World

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From Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka–Japan Friendship Bridge CompletedIn September 2000, Kajima completed the Sri Lanka-Japan Friendship Bridge (Phase-II) in Colombo, SriLanka, with construction finished in just 30 months.The bridge is located in the northern part ofColombo, the country’s largest city.

In 1895, the suzerain British Empire built the leg-endary Victoria Bridge over the River Kelani. How-ever, this steel-truss two-lane bridge had beendeteriorating due to long years of use and wasdetermined to be structurally unsafe. The Japanesegovernment, therefore, granted a loan for the con-struction of a prestressed concrete bridge down-

stream of the Victoria Bridge, which was subsequently closed. Kajima completed the Sri Lanka-JapanFriendship Bridge (Phase-I) in 1992.

To manage the ever-increasing amount of traffic in the region, the SriLanka-Japan Friendship Bridge (Phase-II) was planned, and, with atotal length of 228m in seven spans, the bridge has taken over both thelocation as well as previous function of the Victoria Bridge. The six-laneroad on the Sri Lanka-Japan Friendship Bridge (Phase-I & Phase-II) hasgreatly lightened the traffic congestion to the city’s entrance.

The bridge, as its name implies, symbolizes the close, friendly relation-ship between the two countries and welcomes visitors to Sri Lanka asthe gateway from the international airport.

From Egypt

Suez Canal Bridge Takes Elegant ShapeIn April 1998, Kajima formed a consortium with NKKCorporation and Nippon Steel Corporation to tackle thisepochal project.

On September 22, 2000, the project’s Phase-II contractwas awarded to the Kajima-led consortium. With theChairman of the General Authority for Roads, Bridges,and Land Transportation and the Egyptian Ambassador toJapan present, the signing ceremony for the Phase-II con-tract took place on the same day, with high expectationsof an early completion from everyone attending.

Now, all efforts are being made to complete the bridge by September 2001, the newly set target date. Thecompletion of the bridge will have a great impact on and significance for the regional economy. It will literally

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unite the continents of Asia and Africa and symbolize the everlasting friendship between Japan and Egypt.People and goods will have easy access across this bridge that, without a doubt, will broaden the lives ofmillions of people.

The bridge will have a total length of 3,900m, and the Kajima-led consortium is responsible for the construc-tion of the main bridge section (730m) as well as a 1,120m section of the approach bridge, financed by theJapanese Official Development Assistance Program.

From the United States

Kajima Subsidiary Selected by CNBC for the Construction ofNew Global Headquarters and Broadcasting Studios

Commercial Develop-ments International/East,Inc. (CDI/East), a sub-sidiary of Kajima U.S.A.Inc., has been selectedby CNBC (a trademarkof the National Broad-casting Company, Inc.),as the developer of itsnew global headquar-ters and broadcastingstudios in EnglewoodCliffs, New Jersey.

The state-of-the-art facility, dubbed “the electronic Wall Street of the world” by CNBC, will be a phased con-struction, with 300,000 square feet built immediately and an additional 200,000 square foot expansion planned.

The 22-acre site includes the 15-acre site formerly occupied by Unilever and 900 Sylvan Avenue, theCDI/East-owned building that currently houses the headquarters of Kajima U.S.’s operations. These twosites, when combined, are large enough to accommodate CNBC’s short- and long-term occupancy needs.

To meet CNBC’s 18-month occupancy deadline, CDI/East assembled a world-class development teamwithin the Kajima U.S.A. Group.

The synergy of the combined experience, talent, and expertise of the Kajima Group is unique within the con-struction industry. The communication among the companies and the common goals of CDI/East, KUDInternational, LLC., and Kajima Construction Services, Inc., allow the team to provide a seamless, focused,cohesive service to corporate clients. The CNBC project exemplifies the best qualities of the Kajima Group:creativity, enthusiasm, talent, and teamwork—a winning combination.

KAJIMA CORPORATION Head Office2-7, Motoakasaka 1-chome, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-8388, JapanTelephone: 81-3-3404-3311Facsimile: 81-3-3470-1444/5

KAJIMA CORPORATION International Division28th Floor, Shinjuku Park Tower Building, 7-1, Nishishinjuku 3-chome,Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 163-1028, JapanTelephone: 81-3-5324-5880Facsimile: 81-3-5324-5827

KAJIMA U.S.A. INC.1251 Avenue of the Americas, 9th Floor, New York, NY 10020-1104, U.S.A.Telephone: 1-212-355-4571Facsimile: 1-212-355-4576

KAJIMA EUROPE B.V. LondonGrove House 248 A, Marylebone Road,London NW1 6JZ, U.K.Telephone: 44-171-465-0007Facsimile: 44-171-465-8788

KAJIMA OVERSEAS ASIA PTE. LTD.80 Marine Parade Road, #06-02/06 Parkway Parade,Singapore 449269, SingaporeTelephone: 65-339-8890Facsimile: 65-339-1985

URL: http://www.kajima.co.jp/

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