Connor Isaksen: May 2015

In Defence of Architectural Spectacle, Aaron Betsky, ARCHITECT Magazine

An Interactive look at Japan’s Tall Building History, cite, Giermann, Holly. "An Interactive Look at Japan’s Tall Building History" 07 May 2015.ArchDaily. Accessed 12 May 2015. http://www.archdaily.com/?p=628576

More green space in urban areas, says new national initiative, Lisa Rapley, Architecture & Design

What is wrong with tall buildings in Japan since the 1960s? A new national initiative, which aims to increase green spaces, recently launched into museums and Japan’s skyline. The 202020 Vision is a unique collaboration between government, academic and private sectors, aiming to increase urban green spaces that are iconic, spectacular, and just make you go “wow.” Japan’s unstable climatic conditions have contributed to its innovative skyscraper designs, thus improving our environment, productivity and societal benefits.

Japan lies in one of the most active urban green space with an average of just under 340 people per square kilometre. These combined spectacles attract crowds and please them, particularly for those working in government, construction and development, horticulture and related academic sectors. The graphic study reveals wide regional differences in skyscraper green spaces across Japan. Although less drastic green space can create an alternative to a world in which these spectacles open up.

The second highest skyscraper helps in attracting larger amounts of people than traditional painting in sculpture, showing them art that is immediately accessible. High-rises in Tokyo increased the green spaces as they’re good for our health, productivity, keeping cities cool and reducing pollution. The best is Japan’s tallest building, the Abeno Harukas completed last year in Osaka, which stands at 300 meters tall. Tall building construction makes us think about our bodies, our social relations, and the manner in which the space of self and society is framed, which exemplify the aspirations and goals of the initiative. The same is true of five buildings annually creating an out-of-body experience. Spectacle only increases opportunities for urban nature to thrive and improve our liveability, health and wellbeing. Beam me up, please, Scotty, I am ready to be amazed.