TOKYO hike-ability: oktober 2012

onsdag 31. oktober 2012

Tokyo Metabolizing

Here is a movie clip from the Japanese pavillion exhibition in Venice 2010, which shows the metabolizing process in a Tokyo neighbourhood. The lifetime of buildings in Tokyo is relatively low (about 20-30 years), and it is likeley that a whole neighbourhood will be replaced during a generation (30 years). I am trying to do some more exact research about the lifespan of buildings in inner Tokyo, as this is a very important factor when designing the frames for a future city.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbhCcXhc_vk

mandag 29. oktober 2012

Earthquake and fire prevention

I found this interesting article in The Japan Times about the risk of fire and its consequences if an earthquake occurs. To survive firestorms will probably be the main concern directly after an earthquake. Fire is what killed most people during the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923. Combined with heavy winds, blazes of fires swept the narrow streets packed with very combustible old wood buildings. Today Tokyo Metropolitan Government pays subsidies to house-owners who wish to renovate or rebuild their home to a fire-proof building. Also a new ordinance that will take effect on April 1st 2013 tells companies to stockpile food and water for their employees to survive for at least three days in case the public transport network collapes. The municipalities are preparing temporary evacutation places to recieve people at several larger companies and restaurants.

The Urban Valley in the Urban Village

What if the urban landscape could reflect stronger associations and qualities related to nature? What if the entire urban village is like a green valley, divided by canyons where the river (traffic) flows continouesly. What if the new hike-able city is elevated above the buildings in the urban valley, and people move around in green gardens and trees. To cross the villages you can either climb the mountain, or hike through the caves of buildings and cross the vivid main streets.