The Distribution of Skyscrapers and the Three-Dimensional Differentiation of Urban Functions in Sendai

Abstract

The author examined the distribution of skyscrapers (over six stories) in Sendai, a regional metropolis in which high-rise construction has proceeded rapidly in recent years. He also analysed the three-dimensional differentiation of urban functions associated with these skyscrapers, using the Weaver's Method as adapted by Kikukazu Doi (Doi, 1970). The analysis of functions was based upon the uses made of the various floors of skyscrapers located within the cells of a grid, unit of each cell being 250 meter.
The results of the study are as follows:
1) In the late 1950's various banks were relocated from the Kokuncho District, the traditional business center, to a new business center on Aobadori Avenue. This relocation was associated with construction of skyscraper office buildings in the latter area. Construction of skyscrapers in the vicinity of Aobadori Avenue continued at a slow but steady pace during the 1960's and in the 1970's not only did the pace of construction pick up substantially, but also the area containing skyscrapers expanded outward along the main roads (Fig. 2).
2) The city was divided into core area (30% or more of the peak land value) and outer zone (less than 30% of the peak land value). Skyscrapers except for multistoried apartment houses in core area contain many urban functions, and there is a sharp vertical differentiation between the lower, middle and upper floors.
The lower floors are dominated by conbinations of functions such as R₁ (retail), R₂ (amusement), F (financial), O (business) and S₁ (personal services) with R₁, R₂ and F being especially dominant on the ground floor. Space on the middle floors is taken up mainly by O, S₁ and R₂, and on the upper floors O is the dominant function. The ground floor of skyscapers except for multistoried apartment houses in outer zone is dominated by P (parking), O, R₂ and S₁, with the middle and upper floors being occupied by O and S₁. The basement floors are dominated by R₂ and P (Fig. 5 and Table 3).
It was also found that the number of functions included within a particular combination decreased both vertically outward from core area through outer zone.
3) Functions which depend upon easy pedestrian access, such as R₁, R₂ and F, are located on the lower floors, whereas O tends to occupy the upper floors. Thus pedestrian access appears to be a key factor in explaining the vertical differentiation of urban functions.