A study concerning urban residential system in the early modern times township (Machi) commune (2)

Abstract

Purpose of this study is to elucidate the social and spatial structure of “Machi = Cho” community of Kyoto, Osaka and Nara of the Early Modern Times, and, to portray the urban dwelling system which has been fostered by the climate and traditions of our country. Last year's investigations were dealt with individual cities, but this year, we anticipate to elucidate the entire image of the urban dwelling system of the “Machi” community of the Early Modern Times, while comparing mutually, the existing morphology of the townships of Kyoto, Osaka and Nara. Part I, entitled “Social Composition of the ‘Machi—, has brought to light in statistical form, the population and the formation ratio of landlords to tenants in Kyoto, Osaka and Nara, in city level as well as in individual township level, and, in addition attentions are given to the occupations of inhabitants, population movement and various organizations of the township. Part 2, entitled “Space Composition and Common Facilities of the ‘Machi”’, deals with the restoration of the space composition of the township based on the historical records, and investigates the division of building lots and the conditions of building houses; overlapping of the shared and possessed spaces within the township; forms of individual building (individual houses and rented houses etc.); and the circumstances of the division of private and public spaces. In addition, shared spaces such as streets and ditches, intersections and town gates, meeting places of the township, bridge of the township and building regulations concerning the streets too, have been considered, and specially, the architectural form and historical transition of the meeting place of the township too is investigated. Part 3, entitled “Historical Law-code of Township and the Paying System for the Services”, deals with “Choshikimoku” the own laws and orders of the townships, and, major items of which is investigated, classified and compared in chronological sequence. Specially attention is given to the facts such as self government functions (agreements with the neighboring townships), regulations in relation to the social and spatial stability (type of occupational regulations, tenancy regulations, township construction regulations etc.), livelihood-management (mutual assistance, solving disputes, fire fighting and fire prevention system), maintenance and management of the common facilities, cost and expenses liability system etc., which are with blooming regulations in relation to the voluntary system of residential areas management aimed at a livable township construction. Part 4, entitled “From the Machi of Early Modern Times to the Chonai of Modern Times”, deals with the deterioration and decomposition of the “Machi” community of the Early Modern Times, as well as a survey on the trend of management function of residential areas of the Modern Times, and finally, concludes with consideration given to the matters revealed by the “Machi” community of the Early Modern Times.