Tokyo's Torch Tower plans to be the tallest building in Japan

New designs have been revealed for a brand-new skyscraper in Tokyo, known as the Torch Tower, which aims at becoming the tallest building in Japan.

The new building is going to be constructed in Chiyoda City, Tokyo near a large plaza. It will stand at a height of 390 meters and will provide an excellent view for visitors to the city of Tokyo and to Mount Fuji.

The project was announced 5 years ago, however, the developers Mitsubishi Estate Co. Ltd., revealed the plans and the design in September 2020. The building is going to resemble a "torch that lights up the world" and will occupy an area of more than 31,000 m².

The skyscraper will be founded on a site where Tokiwabashi Gate, one of the gates to Edo Castle, used to be. Edo castle was constructed in the 14^th century by Ōta Dōkan and is currently part of the Tokyo Imperial Palace even though it is majorly ruined.

The project that is planned to be completed by 2027, will feature 63 floors of multiuse spaces. Those include offices, restaurants, commercial stores, an observation deck and a hotel established at the upper part of the structure.

A major issue that emerges is the design of the building in terms of seismic resistance. Japan is located along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a belt in the Pacific Ocean characterized by intense earthquakes and active volcanoes. In particular, Honshu, the main island of the country, lies between the intersection of the Eurasian, Philippine and North American tectonic plates. Japan has been historically struck by many powerful earthquakes that have caused catastrophic consequences including structural damage and casualties. In 1923, a massive M_w 7.9 seismic shock struck near Tokyo due to a rupture in the Philippine plate. The duration of the earthquake was reportedly 4-10 minutes and caused unprecedented damage in Tokyo, Yokohama and many more cities. The death toll was estimated at more than 142,000 people. Due to the high seismic hazard that Tokyo must address, Mitsubishi Estate ensured that the building is designed at the highest seismic standards.

The top part of the structure which is planned to be stunning is handled by Sou Fujimoto Architects in coordination with Mitsubishi Estate. According to both the developers, the structure will present a pioneering feature. In particular, a semi-open plaza will be established at a height of about 300 meters. The plaza will provide entertainment features and will be connected to the upper part of the structure. The lower part of the building will provide underground passages leading to the nearby subway station and green spaces near the central Plaza.

Sources: CNN, Designboom, Dezeen