The Development of Metabolism after Expo 70
A study on the influences of Metabolism of the Japan World Exhibition in Osaka in 1970 on the later design work of Kenzo Tange
J.P. van Bijsterveldt (TU Delft - Architecture and the Built Environment)
M.M. Teunissen – Mentor (TU Delft - Teachers of Practice / A)
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Abstract
Kenzo Tange, a prominent architect and figure in the Metabolism movement, played a significant role in shaping Japanese architecture. His designs often combined modernism with traditional Japanese styles, incorporating Metabolist principles such as the use of multiple towers and sky corridors for traffic flow. The Japan World Exhibition in Osaka in 1970, with the imposing space-frame roof and partly designed by Kenzo Tange, served as a showcase for Metabolist ideas and marked the peak of the movement. It is therefore intriguing to explore how Kenzo Tange's involvement in designing the exhibition influenced his subsequent architectural designs.
Despite being designed decades after the peak of the Metabolism movement, Tange's later works still reflect its influence. Tange's Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and the Fuji Television Building exemplify Metabolist principles, featuring innovative designs that integrate technology, flexibility, and functionality. Both of these later designs consist of grouped towers, sky corridors, and a futuristic aesthetic. However, some aspects of Tange's designs, such as the use of concrete and the lack of flexibility for future adaptations, raise questions about their long-term sustainability and suitability for evolving societal needs. Overall, the research highlights the evolution of Metabolism in architecture and Kenzo Tange's enduring influence on the movement, even as architectural trends shifted over time.