Modernity, space and national representation at the Tokyo Olympics 1964, by C. Tagsold

Reading aligned with lecture: 
   Postmodern Architecture: Team X and European disclosure. IBA, Rossi, Ster, Krier, Stirling.  21/01/2015

Personal summary of reading pages 63-72:

Japan and its capital city, Tokyo symbolised the modernisation of its culture through the 1964 Olympics. It connected it history to its future through the architecture of the venues, which hosted the infamous games. The Olympics also developed the infrastructure of the city through canal and traffic systems.

Due to the events of World War II, and Japans role within that period, it had to reclaim and proves its self again for the rest of the world to regain trust and confidence with Japan. The architecture and space of Tokyo’s 1964 Olympic games served ‘symbolic ends as well as ameliorating the city’s infrastructure.’ Japan had to reconcile its history, yet celebrate its modernization of the 17 years post WWII.

The location of the games showed thoughtful consideration to Toykos culture and history as the Olympic Village made use of existing structures, the Meiji Shrine is an example of this connection- a very symbolic and iconic building of Tokyo. The selected site also housed many historic layers of ownership and connection to many other nations in the world.

I found this article interesting because I was unaware that architecture can play as such a powerful tool to befriend nations and re-tie connections with the world through a sporting event. The modernisation of Japan and Tokyo through the 17 years post WWII enabled the capital to host the Olympic games successfully connecting its history to its future through architecture.