Earthquake-resistant Skyscrapers

One of the most destructive earthquakes in the history hit Japan. As it was widely broadcast,  some areas in Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures (Northern Japan) were completely destroyed. There are thousands of people still missing. We hope that more people will be saved, and Japan will recover to normality soon.

Architecture in Japan is mixed with older wooden buildings, and newer buildings.  Older buildings which were built before 1990s have been heavily affected by earthquakes, but buildings constructed after year 2000 are considered one of the strongest in the world against earthquakes.

Especially for skyscrapers, one of the most sophisticated technologies has been used. Here are some of the “earthquake proof” skyscrapers where it is considered safer inside than outside when the earthquake hits you. They use seismic isolation and damping technologies to increase earthquake resistance in the high rise buildings.

1) Roppongi Hills (2003, Architects: Kohn Pedersen, etc )

2) Tokyo Midtown (2007, Architects: SOM, Tadao Ando, Kengo Kuma Sakakura Associates, etc)

3) Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower (2008, Architects: Tange Associates)

4)Izumi Garden Tower (2002, Architects: Nikken Sekkei )

5) Shin Marunouchi Building (2007, Architects: Michael Hopkins)

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