The Transcendent Urbanism of Japan

[M II A II R II K]

The Transcendent Urbanism of Japan


March 23rd, 2011

By Vishaan Chakrabarti

Read More: http://urbanomnibus.net/2011/03/the-...try-of-cities/

SUMMARY

Architect Vishaan Chakrabarti writes that Japan's urbanism should serve as a model to the rest of the world for its density and the "urbane society" it creates. Chakrabarti, in the last of a 10-part series, also discusses how Japan's strict building codes helped its cities survive the tsunami:

"For all the failures of seawalls and power plants, little is said about the fact that most engineered buildings seem to have withstood the massive temblor and tsunami. With some of the strictest building codes in the world, Japanese skyscrapers were not weaponized in this disaster. Astonishing video of Tokyo skyscrapers swaying “like trees in the breeze,” as one onlooker noted, did their job by swaying as designed. In the extraordinary before-after photos of Sendai airport, amidst the flood damage, it is remarkable to see the air traffic control tower and terminal still standing. One can only hope our cities can boast the same in a similar consequence."