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 Architecture

Tokyo 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