Tokyo Moves To Protect Skyline

The metro government has decided to restrict development around three historic buildings, in order to preserve views. Some developers object.

1 minute read

May 7, 2006, 7:00 AM PDT

By David Gest

"Which comes first when trying to create an attractive city -- landmark preservation or urban development?

Tokyo, with its mix of the historic and commercial, is now trying to tackle this tough question.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has recently taken a bold step to protect how three historic resources are viewed from street level by restricting high-rise buildings behind them. Because of the city's character, however, it faces the classic conflict of historic preservation vs. land development aimed at invigorating the economy.

The three sites are the Diet building, the State Guest House and the Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery -- all symbolic architecture in the heart of Tokyo built in the early 20th century."

Read the full story: Finally, Tokyo tries to protect its skyline

Thursday, May 4, 2006 in The Japan Times

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