Japan's tallest earthquake-resistant building

The 325 m high Mori JP Tower is equipped with many systems to help reduce strong shaking and can withstand earthquakes up to 9 degrees.

Mori JP Tower building has 64 floors. Photo: Jason O'Rear

Mori JP Tower becomes the tallest new building in Japan. Standing 325.2 meters tall in Tokyo, the building is designed to reduce energy use from the grid with many sustainable and seismic-resistant features. Mori JP Tower is a project designed by Pelli Clarke & Partners and is located in Azabudai Hills, a new district with many green spaces including the buildings of Heatherwick Studio and two other skyscrapers, New Atlas on March 19 reported.

The new skyscraper has a glass facade with a shape reminiscent of the symmetry of a lotus flower and four curved glass surfaces resembling flower petals. The building's exterior is also illuminated by integrated light strips designed by American company L'Observatoire International, helping the building glow harmoniously at night. Inside, the building has 64 floors, combining apartment and office space.

Mori JP Tower is the tallest skyscraper in Japan but not the tallest building. That title belongs to Tokyo Skytree tower (634 m). In addition, Tokyo Tower (332.9 m) is also taller than Mori JP Tower. Both are broadcast and observation towers, and are not included in the height ratings of the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat because they do not meet the criteria of at least 50% occupied area.

In fact, the height of Mori JP Tower seems unimpressive when standing alone. The building is only ranked 134th in the world in terms of height, but this is a special project considering the construction challenges in seismically active areas like Tokyo. According to contractor Mori, the building will continue to operate as normal even during a 9-magnitude earthquake like the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011.

To ensure the skyscraper stays stable, steel pipe piles are filled with high-strength concrete and several damping systems are installed to reduce swaying. In addition, the building also has an emergency shelter with a capacity of 3,600 people and a place to store necessities in case of natural disasters.

"High-strength steel and concrete are used to keep the structure balanced. We also place vibration control equipment in key areas, which effectively reduces vibrations during earthquakes, leading to greater resilience." strong shaking. In addition, large-scale equipment called active mass dampers also help limit swaying at the top of the building during strong winds," Mori said.

All electricity for the building comes from renewable energy sources with heat extracted from the sewer system. The building also stores and treats rainwater to irrigate trees, while wastewater from residential households is collected and used in the bathrooms of the office floors.