"Kashiwanoha Smart City" has
Wins the “2017–2018 ULI Global Award for Excellence”

On November 13, “Kashiwanoha Smart City” received the “ULI Global Award for Excellence,” a prestigious and long-standing award in the field of real estate development.

ULC Official Website
https://americas.uli.org/awards/kashiwa-no-ha-smart-city-2017-global-awards-excellence-finalist/

The “ULI Global Award for Excellence” is one of the most prestigious awards in the field of real estate development, presented by the *ULI (Urban Land Institute)—a nonprofit organization established in 1936 dedicated to research and education in real estate development and land use.The award recognizes development projects that demonstrate comprehensive excellence—not only in building design but also in planning, construction methods, marketing strategies, operational approaches, and economic impact on the surrounding area.From among projects worldwide, 25 projects were selected for the “2017–2018 ULI Award for Excellence” across three regions (the Americas, Europe, and Asia-Pacific).Of these 25 projects, 13—including “Kashiwanoha Smart City”—were selected to receive the “2017–2018 ULI Global Award for Excellence.”

■ Key Evaluation Criteria for the Award
・The project fosters a vibrant community that is resilient to disasters.
・Realizing a sustainable city through the establishment of a development infrastructure that is cutting-edge in both environmental and technological terms.

■ About Kashiwanoha Smart City
Since the opening of the Tsukuba Express in 2005, Kashiwanoha Smart City has been promoting advanced urban development through collaboration among the private sector, government, and academia under the themes of “coexistence with the environment,”“Health and Longevity,” and “Creation of New Industries.” In 2016, it became the world’s largest development to receive LEED-ND (Neighborhood Development) Platinum certification (the highest rating) under the U.S. environmental assessment standards.
Nikken Sekkei and the Nikken Sekkei Research Institute (NSRI) have developed an Area Energy Management System (AEMS) that enables CO₂ reduction through the visualization and efficient use of energy information, as well as power sharing between city blocks; formulated urban design guidelines that prioritize mixed-useurban design and the development of high-quality public spaces, as well as the landscape design of “Aqua Terrace”—a project that transformed a previously inaccessible retention pond into a nature-rich public space—we have been actively involved in the urban development of Kashiwanoha.Kashiwanoha is a place where people blend into the community and embody a fulfilling lifestyle lived in harmony with nature. We will continue to contribute to the realization of a more livable society through our valuable work.

■ Project Overview: Kashiwanoha Smart City
Location: Kashiwa City, Chiba Prefecture
Client: Mitsui Fudosan Co., Ltd.
Urban Planning Advisor: Kashiwanoha Urban Design Center (UDCK)
Designers: Nikken Sekkei Ltd., ZGF Architect LLP,
Jun Mitsui & Associates Architects, Onsite Planning & Design Office (Landscape Design)
Project Area: Approx. 273 hectares

*ULI (Urban Land Institute)
Founded in Washington, D.C., in 1936. A nonprofit organization dedicated to research and education in urban development, with approximately 40,000 members. Its activities include researching real estate trends, reviewing guidelines to help private companies carry out real estate development efficiently, and promoting real estate-related knowledge.