AD Classics: Yoyogi National Gymnasium: Kenzo Tange - ArchDaily

AD Classics: Yoyogi National Gymnasium / Kenzo Tange | ArchDaily
12/29/15, 5:23 PM
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AD Classics: Yoyogi National Gymnasium / Kenzo

Tange
15
FEB
2011
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by Andrew Kroll
Projects Built Projects
Architecture Classics Gymnasium
Tokyo Sports Architecture
Pavilion Cultural Center Cultural
Japan
Architect: Kenzo Tange
Materials: Steel Concrete
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325
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Tange
Flickr User: kanegen

Architects: Kenzo Tange
Architecture Classics
Location: Tokyo, Japan

Architect: Kenzo Tange
References: Greatbuildings, Wikiarquitectura
AD Classics: St. Mary

Cathedral / Kenzo Tange
Project Year: 1964
Photographs: Flickr User: kanegen, Flickr User: Jamie Barras, wikiarquitectura,

wikimedia commons
AD Classics: Shizuoka Press

and Broadcasting Center /
Kenzo Tange
From the architect. Built for the 1964 Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, the Yoyogi
National Gymnasium has become an architectural icon for its distinctive design. Designed
by one of Japans most famous modernist architects, Kenzo Tange, the gymnasium is a
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GYMNASIUM
hybridization of western modernist aesthetics and traditional Japanese architecture.
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http://www.archdaily.com/109138/ad-classics-yoyogi-national-gymnasium-kenzo-tange
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VISITED
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12/29/15, 5:23 PM
Video: Santa Meets

Bauhaus
Tanges innovative structural design creates dramatic sweeping curves that appear to
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effortlessly drape from two large, central supporting cables. Its dynamically suspended roof
and rough materials form one of the most iconic building profiles in the world.
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Sitting within one of the largest parks in the metropolitan region of Tokyo, Tange uses the
context as a way in which to integrate his building into the landscape. The subtle curves of
MOST VISITED
PRODUCTS
Wall Panels ALUCOBOND
naturAL
Alucobond
the structural cables, the sweeping roof plane, and the curving concrete base seem to
emerge from the site appearing as one integrated entity.
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Flickr User: Jamie Barras
The gymnasium is the larger of two arenas for the 1964 Summer Olympic Games both of
which are designed by Tange and employ similar structural principles and aesthetics.
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site plan
The smaller pavilion which holds approximately 5,300 people is used for various small
Olympic events, whereas the national gymnasium was designed to be occupied by 10,500
Page 2 of 9
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people primarily for the Olympic swimming and diving competitions. However, it was able to
be transformed into a space to accommodate for larger events such as basketball and ice
hockey.
plan_02
Influenced by Le Corbusiers Philips Pavilion and Eero Saarinens hockey stadium at Yale
University, Tange became intrigued with structure and its tensile and geometric potential.
Similar to Saarinens design for Yales hockey stadium, Tange employs a central structural
spine from where the structure and roof originates. Two large steel cables are supported
between two structural towers in addition to being anchored into concrete supports on the
ground. The suspended cables form a tensile tent-like roofing structure; a series of prestressed cables are suspended off of the two main cables that drape toward the concrete
structure that creates the base of the gymnasium as well as providing the necessary
structure for the seating within the stadium.
section_01
The result is a symmetrical suspension structure that elegantly draping from the central
structural spine. Its flowing surfaces make the minimal surface structure appear as a fabric
suspended by two simple supports thats being pulled into tension by the landscape.
axon_02
The fusion of Japanese architectural aesthetic and western modernist design, the
gymnasiums structural system resembles a snails shell, but in a more contextual sense, the
gymnasiums low profile and sweeping roof forms some semblance to that of an abstracted
Japanese pagoda.
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12/29/15, 5:23 PM
axon_01
When the Yoyogi National Gymnasium was completed it was the largest suspended roof
span in the world. Its dynamic form and structural expressionism has made the gymnasium
one of Kenzo Tanges most important works, as well as a progressive architectural icon.
Today, it is one of Tokyos most sought after tourist destinations, while continuing to be an
international venue for sports and fashion.
"We Japanese architects, in our endeavours to resolve the problems facing modern Japan,
have devoted a great deal of attention to the Japanese tradition, and have, in the end,
arrived at the point which I have sought to elucidate for you. If, however, there can be
detected a trace of tradition in my works or in those of my generation, then our creative
powers have not been at their best, then we are still in the throes of evolving our creativity. I
want, by all means, my buildings to be free of the label 'traditional.' Kenzo Tange
Flickr User: kanegen
wikiarquitectura
wikimedia commons
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12/29/15, 5:23 PM
site plan
axon_01
axon_02
plan_02
plan_01
section_01
section_02
Location to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.
Cite:
Andrew Kroll. "AD Classics: Yoyogi National Gymnasium / Kenzo Tange" 15 Feb 2011. ArchDaily. Accessed
29 Dec 2015. <http://www.archdaily.com/109138/ad-classics-yoyogi-national-gymnasium-kenzo-tange/>
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AD Classics: Yoyogi National Gymnasium / Kenzo Tange | ArchDaily