Originally Posted By SuperDry <<< To be fair Walt did pinch this idea from a host of different town planners at the time. >>> I didn't mean to imply that the notions incorporated into EPCOT's original design all originated with Walt or at Disney in general. I just meant to say that Roppongi Hills seems to be a real-world implementation that's close enough to Walt's EPCOT core that it's worthy of mention. I am vaguely familiar with the UK town planning model you speak of, although I had not known of the Poundsbury example - thanks! But this is more of a model for suburbs or exurbs ("dormitory town" in UK parlance). Poundsbury and the other models you point to are more toward what was incorporated into Celebration, and perhaps what was planned for the "leaf nodes" or far edges of EPCOT. On the other hand, Roppongi Hills is more like the plans for the core of EPCOT - skyscrapers, underground road system, pedestrian-centric surface, totally mixed-use facilities all within walking distance, foot connection to mass transit to leave the complex, and so on. Also, I've been with more than one person that as we get off the subway and go up those two-story escalators at Roppongi Hills up to the surface and take it all in: retail offerings, architectural design, artwork, and so on, that has commented, "Wow. This kind of reminds me of Disney!" or more specifically, what "Disney" could be or should be. The conversation tends to lead to something much more specific, like "This reminds me of the original EPCOT" or "This is what Tomorrowland should be like." I don't think the comment is meant to say that Tomorrowland in the theme parks should literally be like Roppongi Hills, but I think the comment comes from the notion of "this is what Tomorrowland's 'world on the move' or 'how we might live someday' theme that we grew up with was trying to convey." <<< Mori-san did want to provide for everything on the Roppongi site - more from an altruistic POV - he wanted to capture every dime of those working and living on the Hills. Why go elsewhere when every waking (and sleeping) moment can be accommodated and the cash can be spent locally? >>> I'm sure this crossed Walt's mind as well . It certainly is a key design feature of the way WDW has evolved today.
Originally Posted By Mr X <---is a big fan of architecture, particularly on a grand scale <---LOVES Mori Tower at Roppongi Hills <a href="http://jblog.deviantdeadlock.de/images/roppongi_hills01.jpg" target="_blank">http://jblog.deviantdeadlock.d...ls01.jpg</a>
Originally Posted By leemac <<I just meant to say that Roppongi Hills seems to be a real-world implementation that's close enough to Walt's EPCOT core that it's worthy of mention.>> Gotcha - totally understand. There was a fascinating docu that I remember from a few years back that showed Mori-san at work - it took nearly two decades to create Roppongi Hills and his dogged determination to create the complex is admirable (if a little obsessive!). Mori-san actually wanted to create high-rise urban environments for work, rest and play. Mori Tower doesn't quite accomplish that as most of the play elements are around the foot of the tower but it has been used as a blueprint for other Asian cities (I know developers in Shanghai that are looking to replicate the concept). However the complex is effectively self-contained - virtually everything is provided for on-site from offices to apartments to stores to restaurants to entertainment. I don't recall any public infrastructure though like schools (I may be wrong). Certain elements work better than others. The multi-level Mohri Gardens add some much needed nature and respite from the concrete and steel. However the Arena structure is ugly and exceptionally noisy for a mixed-use site. Some of the architecture around the West Walk and Hillside is also a little ugly. Irrespective of some minor flaws it is a great study of twenty-first century living. I'd be intrigued how residents feel about the complex too.
Originally Posted By leemac I meant to also add that OLC shareholder Mitsui Fudosan have their own version of Roppongi Hills right next door now with the newer Midtown complex (which I guess have been operational for about three years now). A lot more "functional" in execution that Hills but it is an interesting take on the high-rise urban development model.
Originally Posted By MagicalNezumi I prefer Roppongi Midtown to Roppongi Hills. It feels a lot more intimate and accommodating than the cold industrial atmosphere of the "Hills." -- MagicalNezumi
Originally Posted By Bob Paris 1 "Also, I've been with more than one person that as we get off the subway and go up those two-story escalators at Roppongi Hills up to the surface and take it all in: retail offerings, architectural design, artwork, and so on, that has commented, "Wow. This kind of reminds me of Disney!" or more specifically, what "Disney" could be or should be. The conversation tends to lead to something much more specific, like "This reminds me of the original EPCOT" or "This is what Tomorrowland should be like." I don't think the comment is meant to say that Tomorrowland in the theme parks should literally be like Roppongi Hills, but I think the comment comes from the notion of "this is what Tomorrowland's 'world on the move' or 'how we might live someday' theme that we grew up with was trying to convey." " You know there's not much else in Japan, other than the TDR that interests me(so much so we cancelled a trip to the TDR this year because it wasn't worth it just to come all the way to Nippon for five days at TDR)but THIS sounds INCREDIBLY cool!!!! I love futurism and I might have to add this to the list!
Originally Posted By mstaft ^^^ Check out Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan. Totally futuristic with a Washington Mall kind of feel.
