Harbor City Design
In 1858, the Treaty of Amity and Commerce between the United States and Japan opened the port of Yokohama to international trade. The arrival of Commodore Perry's "Black Ships" in 1859 further established Yokohama as a gateway to the world, leading to its growth as the second-largest city in Japan with a population of over 3.67 million. The influx of foreign cultures during that time transformed Yokohama into a cosmopolitan city with its unique charm.
Thirty years later, in 1889, Yokohama became an official city under the implementation of the municipal system in Japan. After a century of development, the Yokohama International Port City Construction Law was enacted by the Japanese government in 1950 to promote the development of Yokohama as an international port city. In 1989, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the city and the 130th anniversary of the opening of the port, Yokohama hosted the Yokohama Exposition, and it was from this event that the future city of Minato Mirai 21 (MM21) emerged.
Minato Mirai 21 is composed of two main thoroughfares: Minato Mirai Avenue and Kokusai Dori. These are connected by streets such as Sakura-dori, Keyaki-dori, Ichou-dori, and Suzukake-dori, forming the street grid within the area. With an area of approximately 186 hectares, Minato Mirai 21 is recognized as one of the "100 Urban Landscape Selections." Its development aims to increase daytime employment in the port area, establish a residential city that supports Tokyo, and attract businesses to the area.
At the heart of Minato Mirai 21 is the Landmark Tower, a 296-meter-high landmark building constructed on the site of the former Mitsubishi Heavy Industries shipyard. The Landmark Tower, with 70 above-ground floors and 3 basement levels, stands as a symbol of Yokohama and is the second tallest skyscraper in Japan. Inside the Landmark Tower, there is a shopping area that houses numerous renowned fashion stores, restaurants, and other commercial facilities. Adjacent to it are a 49-story hotel, office spaces on floors 1 to 48, and an observation platform called the Sky Garden on the 69th floor. From the Sky Garden, visitors can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of Yokohama, showcasing its breathtaking beauty.
Along the waterfront, there are two distinctive red brick warehouses that hold historical significance as symbols of Yokohama's port development. Built during the late Meiji era to the early Taisho era, these warehouses underwent a major renovation in 2002 while preserving their original historical appearance. Warehouse No. 1 has been transformed into a cultural exhibition facility, while Warehouse No. 2 has been converted into a commercial shopping complex featuring fashion stores, miscellaneous goods shops, and gourmet establishments. These revitalized red brick warehouses and the surrounding plaza and park form the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse District, which has become a popular tourist attraction. Particularly, the illuminations in the evening create a stunning visual display, making it one of Yokohama's famous nightscapes. The view from the open space of the red brick warehouses overlooking Yamashita Park and the night view of the Minato Mirai 21 area from the red brick warehouses are exceptionally beautiful.
Finally, it is worth mentioning the Osanbashi Yokohama International Passenger Terminal, located near MM21. Designed to emphasize the idea that the terminal should be a public space enjoyed by both Yokohama residents and tourists, it was planned and constructed as an all-weather resting park, drawing inspiration from the observation decks of cruise ships.
The park's flooring is made of light-colored weather-resistant wood, creating a visually pleasing undulating pattern. The underground area of the wooden slope structure consists of three floors, and its design varies in response to the changing slope of the roof. The entire building blurs the distinction between the ground, exterior walls, and ceilings, and the outdoor wooden flooring seamlessly extends into the interior, creating a seamless transition between indoors and outdoors.
The entire building blurs the distinction between the ground, exterior walls, and ceilings, and the outdoor wooden flooring seamlessly extends into the interior, creating a seamless transition between indoors and outdoors.
Inside the building, instead of stairs, irregular ramps connect the floors, blurring the boundaries between levels. The ambiguous division of floors within the building creates a captivating atmosphere akin to being in a movie scene. It is highly recommended for those who appreciate modern Japanese architecture to visit this unique space.
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