ctbuh.org/papers Title: Developing Tall Buildings and Urban Spaces, in Japan and Elsewhere Author: Hiroo Mori, Executive Vice President, Mori Building Subjects: Architectural/Design Building Case Study Keywords: Public Space Urban Design Vertical Urbanism Publication Date: 2015 Original Publication: Asia & Australasia: A Selection of Written Works on the World's Tall Building Forefront Paper Type: 1. Book chapter/Part chapter 2. Journal paper 3. Conference proceeding 4. Unpublished conference paper 5. Magazine article 6. Unpublished © Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat / Hiroo Mori Developing Tall Buildings and Urban Spaces, in Japan and Elsewhere Hiroo Mori, Executive Vice President and Director, Mori Building Co., Ltd. Skyscrapers and their surrounding To increase cities’ comprehensive appeal, one The Vertical Garden City Concept developments are critical factors in determining must look beyond pure economics – to also The “Vertical Garden City” concept is one a city’s global competitive advantage relative focus on urban functions, such as research response to this question. Since it’s rarely to other cities. These building projects are in and development, cultural interaction, possible to add new land to cities, our fact the “tools” that can greatly increase a city’s livability, the environment, safety, and concept instead opens up existing space in accessibility – in order to ultimately design economic competitiveness by contributing to urban environments by building vertically, ever-more attractive cities. the cities’ overall comprehensiveness. Several both into the sky and into the ground. examples of the Vertical Garden City concept Replacing countless low-rise structures To do so, in the process of urban built throughout Tokyo and beyond show with a relatively small number of massive redevelopment, it is crucial to consider not high-rise structures efficiently concentrates how tall building projects that embrace their only the perspectives of corporate executives the diverse urban functions of residence, surroundings and encourage the propagation and businesspeople, but also incorporate work, commerce, education, leisure, culture, of social and cultural activities at or near the the varied perspectives of many, including socializing, and more. By building vertically, street level can contribute critically in this way. researchers, artists, tourists, and residents. compact cities are created where people have The city’s magnetic power intensifies enhanced mobility and accessibility – often when it becomes a place where people of on foot – for the enjoyment of fuller, and more The Makings of an Ideal City diverse backgrounds and nationalities enjoy rewarding private and professional lives. economic opportunity, entertainment, safety, A city is a stage where an enormous and reliable efficiency. Such locales become range of human activities play out. An The rejuvenation of cities is indispensable the world’s preferred cities which, in turn, internationally competitive city is one for economic recovery in older economies, helps stimulates national economies. The where a broad range of economic and as well as to sustain the growth of new first question one must ask is what makes social activities generate new businesses, economies. We have achieved our original an ideal city, one capable of thriving in the value, and lifestyles, all of which make up its aim which was to boost the magnetic pull midst of fierce competition with other global “magnetic power.” This magnetic power to of Tokyo, Shanghai, and other cities in where cities? The key question that follows is how draw in a diverse group of residents, as well we have worked. We have developed a can a city generate the “magnetic power” it as external investment, is based in the city’s number of signature projects, such as ARK needs to attract people, goods, money, and comprehensive appeal overall, and its global Hills, Roppongi Hills, Toranomon Hills, and information from around the world? impact cannot be overstated. Shanghai World Financial Center, based on our Vertical Garden City concept, a vision 122 which may be a vital urban model for 21st large developments as building blocks for a century Asia. city-scale network by considering degrees of freedom in configuration planning and These urban centers are now home to many interfaces between buildings within each companies and people from around the block etc., and through the combination of world, creating new value and new lifestyles. different “Four-hectare Block Models.” This is the fruit of our efforts to not only construct facilities, but to nurture these Modern cities are often characterized by urban centers and the communities that problems such as deteriorating urban inhabit them. landscapes due to haphazard building practices, long commutes caused by great Opposite: Paris is an illustrative example of a city where Seven Principles of Future City Design distances between working and residential people of diverse backgrounds and nationalities enjoy areas, constrained living environments economic opportunity, entertainment, safety, and efficiency. In order to create high-quality streets, (cc-zero) Joe deSousa resulting from the proliferation of cars optimize air flows, generate visual interest, Top: The city of Shanghai is the first city in China where Mori and enhance the pedestrian experience – and ensuing traffic jams, serious global Building Co. has implemented their “Vertical Garden City” concept. Source: Gensler the benchmark of a thriving city – large-scale environmental problems such as the developments cannot be rendered as simple heat island effect and increased carbon superblocks. As such, our research on the dioxide emission, and fragility in the face “Four-hectare Block Model” is about using of disaster. Seven principles, which have 123 been deployed extensively through the Build spaces exposed to the surface to be Construct Three-Dimensional Streets projects discussed in this paper, form the filled with water and plants on an artificial Make the typical two-dimensional, wide cornerstone of the Vertical Garden City foundation, and ensure ample lighting and streets three-dimensional and increase concept can shed light on solutions to ventilation for the underground portion. the spaces that can be utilized effectively. resolve these problems. In addition, give thought to making the Consider the Environment skyline of the building neat so as to improve Consider Superblocks Carry out energy-saving and carbon the urban landscape. Carry out the construction of aesthetically dioxide-reduction measures for all buildings. appealing blocks with diversified urban In addition, build blocks that consider ARK Hills – 1986 functions (e.g., working, dwelling, urban environments and can mitigate Mori Building Co. debuted its Vertical commercial, travel, educational, and medical the heat island effect, in support of an Garden City concept in 1986 in Tokyo with functions) and include open spaces, so that “environmentally symbiotic city.” ARK Hills, Japan’s first privately built large- superblocks are more than just inflated scale mixed-use urban complex. Centered regular blocks, but actually perform functions Reorganize the Road Functions on the 37-story ARK Hills Mori Building, that regular blocks cannot. Coordinate road construction with block later complemented by the ARK Hills construction in consideration of the Sengokuyama Mori Tower, the development Improve Disaster-Prevention Functions regional network. Plant shade trees to also offers residences, a hotel, and a concert Construct blocks using seismic restraints create a pleasant environment along the hall. At the time of its completion, many and vibration suppression systems, while streets and to provide a place for people to international financial institutions that designing them to perform at a high level of stop and chat. were new to Japan moved their offices into safety. In addition, construction of “Escape the office tower, Japan’s first “intelligent” Streets” within the block that can provide Enrich Transportation Options building. ARK Hills was soon recognized refuge spaces and storage warehouses, as Construct and enrich the traffic network as Tokyo’s premiere international finance part of the disaster-mitigation strategy. so that it is suitable for corresponding center. Today the office tower remains travel distances and travel means. Separate one of Tokyo’s most prestigious addresses, Utilize the Low-Rise Portion Flexibly pedestrians and vehicles by configuring and still enjoys a high occupancy rate. Construct the blocks using the terrain by the public transit system vertically. Consider Furthermore, the natural environment has utilizing underground infrastructure and barrier-free design for the pedestrian space, so benefited, as the avenues of cherry trees that newly built artificial foundations actively. that disabled people can travel comfortably. form the symbol of ARK Hills, and the seven 124 “Since it’s rarely possible to add new land to cities, the Mori concept instead opens up existing space in urban environments by building vertically, both into the sky and into the ground. Replacing countless low-rise structures with a relatively small number of massive high-rise structures efficiently concentrates the diverse urban functions of residence, work, commerce, education, leisure, culture, socializing, and more.” Opposite: Trees and greenery around the Roppongi Hills development provide tenants with a pleasant place to sit and relax.