japan

JAPAN

Tokyo Skytree

LOCATION: TOKYO, JAPAN

ARCHITECT:

ANCIENT DETAILS:

Horyuji Pagoda in Nara is one of the oldest wooden buildings in the world. Analysis of its wood shows it was constructed in the year 594. 

Japan suffers 20% of the World's major earthquakes (over magnitude 6). Horyuji has endured many large earthquakes in its 1400+ years. Its secret lies in its design. Horyuji Pagoda was architected with a large

central pillar that's structurally isolated from the peripheral of the building. 

Most Japanese 5-storey pagoda have emulated this successful design.

Tokyo Skytree ArchitectureTokyo Skytree's architecture draws inspiration from Horyuji's design. This is a first for a modern building. Tokyo Skytree has a cylindrical core made of reinforced concrete (its staircase). The core is used as a counterweight to the outer shell of the building. 

In the event of high winds or an earthquake the core is designed to move to a delayed timing that counterbalances the sway of the outer building. This can reduce the effects of a major earthquake by 40%. 

Counterweights are nothing new in building design. However, Tokyo Skytree is the first large structure to use a central pillar as a counterweight. 

Horyuji Pagoda is 32 meters tall —Tokyo Skytree is 634 meters. 

PREPARED BY:

RACHEL L. DOLLISON