japan
DESCRIPTION
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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
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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