Imperial Hotel in Tokyo, Japan - Research Paper Example

Imperial Hotel in Tokyo, Japan Introduction The arts and architecture used in building monuments and kingpalaces give an insight to the city’s ancient history. Many societies are proud of their traditional heritage, and this is the motive why societies do not vacillate in planning their cities using their fine art. Japanese structural design has traditionally been schemed with wooden structure, raised marginally-off the ground, with thatched roofs. The earliest Japanese structural design was seen in ancient times where stores and simple pit-houses were adapted from hunter-gatherers population. Store and simple pit-house were built with sliding doors that were place on the wall, allowing the interior configuration of the space to be used for various occasions. People usually sat on the flow or on the cushions, traditionally, high table and chairs were not extensively used until in the 20th century were japan has incorporated much of western post-modern and modern architecture into construction and interior designing. The modern Japanese style of architecture was experienced during Meiji period (1868-1912 CE). The distinctive architectural associated with Meiji period are important in demonstrating Japan’s cultural landscape and architecture modernization. Meiji refurbishment of architecture and state identity are exposed by major constructions such as Imperial Hotel in Tokyo, Japan. Our thesis is to study the development of constructions from tradition through modern, along with a flourishing interest to preserver culture, economic and political transition in Japan. Supporting activities and purposes Imperial Hotel was constructed in 1880 at the demand of Japanese aristocrat to gratify the growing numbers of western guest to Japan. The guesthouse site is situated just south of the imperial palaces ground, this modern hotel covering 40-acres resample the palaces. The plan for the hotel was influenced by the soil condition hence making Yuzuru Watanabe reject Manz original layout of four story stone structures, and he proposed brick structure and a three story wood frame. Conversely, Watanabe proposed that the exterior should be painted to appear like stone. After the Imperial Hotel structure had been destroyed by fire and earthquakes, there was a need for rebuilding the Imperial hotel in 1970 and this influenced the structure and the material used. The later Imperial Hotel was design to incorporate towering, pyramid-like structure whose building materials are concrete, Oya stone and concrete blocks. The building was also designed with several structures to lessen potential earthquake destruction such as tapered wall, denser on the ground floor thus increasing the building strength. The building of Imperial Hotel goes beyond initial accommodation purpose to suggest other uses such as showing a prodigious revolution in architecture brought to japan as Meiji restoration. Through Meiji, the concept of architecture changes drastically from local-one to internal. Responding to context The principle that had the strongest influence on the construction of the imperial hotel is functionalism principle that relies on people sense of safety, this principle concentrates on the designing of the building. After the destruction of imperial hotel build using wood material by fire, there was need to use brick and concrete blocks which were much durable and strong. The other principle is scarcity principle that states that things are more eye-catching when their accessibility is limited. People who are constructed the imperial hotel had to seek unique material from other countries rather than using wood readily accessible in their country. Finally, is the principle of proximity states that when things are close to one another such concrete blocks they are perceived to be more attractive. Imperial hotel wall was build using this proximity principle where concrete blocks and Oya stone were arrange so closely. Establishing longevity As one of the grande dames of Tokyo, the Imperial Hotel was designed and built with the idea of providing longevity in mind and it has turned out to be hard for anyone not to be enthralled by the longevity established by the building. Apparently, the building utilizes various spatial dualities including public-private duality, large-small and outside-inside duality, to establish longevity. The guest rooms are in layers of increasing seclusion and diminishing publicness. Most rooms are private while conference rooms are also spacious but free from peripheral meddling. Its rooms are of varying size to accommodate the diverse needs of Japanese and toiletries utilizes apt technology that perfectly matches the Japanese expectations and standards. The rooms feel defensible and safe, with each room having automated locks, dramatically juxtaposed to the surrounding environment and of varying spatial proportions that allow manifold uses. Additionally, the “in-between” duality is highly incorporated into the building where there are large balconies, corridors, windows and terraces that connect the various towers. Moreover, there are superb parking lots and paved alleyways that guests use to connect to the adjoining Ginza and enjoy its perfect night life. A huge swimming pool located in-between the towers provide an ample relaxation joint where guests go for retreat and socialization. Additionally, it is closely and perfectly linked to the Hibiya Park, a walking distance from the hotel, with several Limosine buses dropping and picking guests to various endpoints. The well-designed Art Deco space, which houses terracotta tiles and fragments of murals, and the Old Imperial bar, further bolsters the interaction experience. Achieving clarity and wholeness Segmentation, which is closely anchored in the Maya Revival Style, is a predominant strategy that was used in organizing the building. Towering structures are designed and erected and later joined by carved oya stones, concrete blocks and decanted concrete. All this helps in attaining a fabulous and dramatic look. Additionally, the separation of parts (the annexes) that contributes to the whole ensures that the hotel is safe and can easily be revamped in cases of disasters. 15 principles of wholeness The void: Imperial Hotel utilizes the void as it has a swimming pool at the center. This makes guests in their rooms to feel isolated from the life of the surrounding city. It is surrounded by a clutter of fabric and stuff which makes the hotel rooms more wholesome. Echoes: The hotel has various annexes in the various towers which also houses various conference rooms. The rooms are highly similar and together form the Imperial Hotel, creating an inordinate experience for guests. These echoes make the rooms to appear as supportive of life by inaugurating connections. Roughness: Many guests find it difficult to navigate in the room due to the fixtures organization. Moreover, some rooms and structures around the compound are designed in a way that looks amateurish and slapdash and one would easily wonder why they were included. Deep Interlock and Ambiguity: Imperial Hotel is highly interlocked with the Ginza neighborhood and the immediate Hibiya Park which provides auxiliary services to the hotel and its guests. Simplicity and Inner Calm: the rooms are spacious and contain comfortable beds, excellent in-room facilities including Wi-Fi. The rooms are well decorated with vessels and each contains analog clocks that offer a nice touch and calm environment. The ‘do not disturb’ signs are preset while the drapes are automatic and strategically positioned. Evidently, the incorporation of the aforementioned principles of wholeness in the designing and construction of rooms in Imperial Hotel indicate that the rooms were meant to be biologically whole and offer a perfect representation of life in the wider sense. The inclusion of the principles make the rooms more engaging and in a better position to offer an interminable experience to guests. Read More