75
4.4 Enhancing the Values of Grey Urban Environment
4.4.1 High Density Urban Areas in Tokyo
In the previous section, we introduced the urban sprawl area of Tagara. Returning
more toward the center of Tokyo, a belt of high density urban areas where urbanization and densification occurred without master-planned infrastructure
(Fig. 4.22) is found. These high-density urban areas are vulnerable because of the
susceptibility of fire especially when major earthquakes occur. The HanshinAwaji Major Earthquake in 1995 is a excellent example. Since then, much effort
has been put into improving the physical environment of these high density urban
areas: widening roads, creating additional open spaces, redeveloping wooden
buildings, among others.
Despite the vulnerability, this kind of high-density urban area is popular
because of good access to urban centers of central Tokyo, small-scale urban environment; and the availability of affordable housing, active commercial areas,
walkable neighborhoods, urban culture, etc. This vibrant commercial area in
Fig. 4.21 District plan in urban sprawl area (Example in Tagara, Nerima Ward, Tokyo from
Nerima Ward website)
4 The Value of Grey
4.4 Enhancing the Values of Grey Urban Environment
4.4.1 High Density Urban Areas in Tokyo
In the previous section, we introduced the urban sprawl area of Tagara. Returning
more toward the center of Tokyo, a belt of high density urban areas where urbanization and densification occurred without master-planned infrastructure
(Fig. 4.22) is found. These high-density urban areas are vulnerable because of the
susceptibility of fire especially when major earthquakes occur. The HanshinAwaji Major Earthquake in 1995 is a excellent example. Since then, much effort
has been put into improving the physical environment of these high density urban
areas: widening roads, creating additional open spaces, redeveloping wooden
buildings, among others.
Despite the vulnerability, this kind of high-density urban area is popular
because of good access to urban centers of central Tokyo, small-scale urban environment; and the availability of affordable housing, active commercial areas,
walkable neighborhoods, urban culture, etc. This vibrant commercial area in
Fig. 4.21 District plan in urban sprawl area (Example in Tagara, Nerima Ward, Tokyo from
Nerima Ward website)
4 The Value of Grey