Schematic Design, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
With a population of over 12 million, or about 10 percent of Japan's population, Tokyo is by far the country's most populous and most densely populated city. On December 31, 2001 Chiyoda had 6,572 buildings which were four stories or taller. Some of the districts in Chiyoda are actually not inhabited, either because they are parks, or because they consist only of office buildings and/or because they are extremely small.
Tokyo is the capital city of Japan. It is the biggest city in Japan in terms of population and area. Tokyo is located on the Kanto plain, facing Tokyo Bay. It is located roughly in the middle of the Japanese archipelago facing the Pacific Ocean. Located in the center of Tokyo, Chiyoda City continues to grow as an international city. Other than the dynamic growth of this city is the common understanding of both Japanese and foreign citizens who strive to overcome language barriers and differences in cultures and customs. It is important to the inhabitants of this city that anyone that decides to come visit or live here that they feel comfortable and "at home." There is a general feeling of sincerity coming from the people of this town after reading over their Welcome Page of on of their websites.
After reviewing the information about this site, it is clear that the weather patterns would have an effect on the interior environment of the site. It was also evident that this site was based around a dynamic, highly technological culture. However, the people of this area have not lost sight of the need for healing and restoration. The idea of health and wellness is still prominent while technological advances are constantly taking place. There are also many parks in this area; large with amble greenery. These parks house Tokyo's central sports and cultural facilities, and the National Museum of Modern Art. For example, the Kitanomaru Park, the former site of a historic castle. Since Tokyo is the home of the Cherry Blossom, many parks offer places to stroll and enjoy the view of these beautiful trees.
The festivals and traditional beliefs of these people reflect their culture. Most of the residents of Tokyo are music and theater lovers. Japan also boasts the world's longest average lifespan. Since they believe so strongly about diminishing stress and taking time for yourself every now and then, they easily can add a couple years to their lives.
Average Weather in Tokyo
Health Care: U.S. v Japan
Japan and the United States are the two most technologically advanced countries in the world. The United States has the largest economy, while Japan has the third largest. Japan has a GDP of $4.3 trillion. The United State's GDP is over $13 trillion. Both nations are considered world leaders. The United States and Japan have very different health care systems. Health care has been provided everyone in Japan since 1961. Getting health care is required for all citizens. The Japanese health care system has been praised for its accessibility. It has also given the doctors more control over how they perform medical procedures. As a result, the overall health of individuals has improved over the last 50 years.
The cost of health care is very drastic when comparing per capita for medical expenses. Japan's is roughly 2,326 American dollars. The United States per capita for medical expenses is 6,400 American dollars. A per capita medical expense does an excellent job of showing how a country with similar economies and governments has different costs for health care.
This, however, is not the case in the United States. The United States is currently suffering from a health care crisis. Over 47 million Americans are without health insurance nine million of them being children. Also, Americans have to pay out of pocket costs at a higher rate. The price of health insurance is also rising in the United States. Some employers are putting more of the cost on the employees because of this. The American public is being harmed by the health care industry. Some people have to decide whether or not to put food on the table or go to the doctor. Children across this country don't get the proper care they need because their parents can't afford it. When considering the prosperity of the United States, there should not be a single child without health insurance.
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After completing a site analysis of Tokyo, it was made clear how much the Japanese still like to keep up with their traditions of therapy and relaxation. They have an ancient tradition of hydrotherapy, which has been a part of their culture for a thousand years. In Japan there are hundreds of natural hot springs which is where these Japanese hydrotherapy traditions derived from. These traditions include treatments and programs aimed at maintaining and enhancing a person's wellness, beauty, health, aging, and even some medical conditions. The Japanese also found a way to bring these treatments into the home by developing the Japanese bath. The temperature of these baths are usually about 108 degrees Fahrenheit. Before entering the bath, a person will wash themselves with special herbs. This tradition brings light to the Japanese' artistic beauty and integration of beauty in water and nature in the home. The purpose of the bath is to remember how water is a sacred part of life and how we have a connection to it in more ways than one.
"In Japanese philosophy, Onsen, Japanese hot spring bath, is the diametric opposite of everything in normal, hectic day-to-day life. Onsen blends the mysticism and spirituality of the East into the traditional sweat bath practice, lending it a Zen, meditative quality."
"Baths provide a socially acceptable relief from the pressures of the contemporary Japanese twelve-hour work ethic. They represent an opportunity for the Japanese to melt down the hierarchical nature of society through mutual nakedness and intimacy."
Modern Japanese-Inspired Bath House
In reference to the Landor company in the United States, it would be an interesting approach create a commercial design for workers in which the designs are Japanese-inspired. We are always on the move, with just enough time to grab a coffee from Starbucks. Creating a safe haven/time-out area for workers to go and relax would be optimal, especially when the office is located in high-energy New York City. It is important to take time for yourself every now and then, so implementing health and relaxation in the workplace would remind workers that they need to take a deep breath every now and then and clear their heads of stress. Commercially, adding a spa in an office could benefit any outsiders that also want to take time to get a massage, take a hot bath or enjoy a massage. Having a spa in an office is very versatile, as the workers can start, end or take a break in the middle of their day to rejuvenate themselves.
