Aesthetic Evolution and Control

Recent Transformations in Toyko

Authors

  • Momoko Allard

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25071/2292-4736/40353

Abstract

Tokyo is an endless field of low-lying, non-descript buildings shaped like puzzle pieces to fit into their respective spaces and outlined by unbelievably narrow streets - some only manoeuvrable on scooter or motorbike. During the daytime, cool shades of white and mint green accent the city's ubiquitous concrete floors and walls, which at night, become camouflaged in infinite masses of neon lights in
every colour. The aesthetic is one of modesty and calm chaos. It is the aggregate of millions of individuals pragmatically making use of their respective miniature territories. The aesthetic intentions of each remain in large part independent from their neighbours, and the result is an organically-evolved visual landscape.

References

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Published

2007-01-01

How to Cite

Allard, M. (2007). Aesthetic Evolution and Control: Recent Transformations in Toyko. UnderCurrents: Journal of Critical Environmental Studies, 16, 6–9. https://doi.org/10.25071/2292-4736/40353

Issue

Vol. 16 (2007): Planning, Culture and Space

Section

Academic

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Authors retain copyright over their work and license their work for publication in UnderCurrents under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0). This means that the work is available for commercial and non-commercial use, reproduction, and adaptation provided that the original authors are credited and the original publication in this journal is cited, following standard academic practice.