The OBAYASHI Foundation
Konwa Building.5F,
1-12-22, Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
104-0045, Japan
Tel:03-3546-7581
Fax:03-3546-7582 |
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The Obayashi Foundation was established on September
22, 1998, to support comprehensive, interdisciplinary research related
to cities.
Throughout the second half of the 20th century after the
end of World War II, Japan underwent dramatic development as an industrial
society. That led to a heightened concentration of the population
in urban areas, which in time gave birth to transportation congestion,
serious housing problems, and profound changes to the natural environment.
As a result, cities now lack many of those qualities that are essential
to enriching the lives of individuals.
In the 21st century, we face
the urgent task of creating cities that offer urban convenience as
well as place a high priority on human sensibilities. If we are to
foster affluent lifestyles for our citizens, we need to put our energy
into city-building efforts that are not focused exclusively on economics
and are not geared only toward the creation of monumental structures
that boast the latest technology and office buildings whose sole goal
is functionality. The times require city building that strives to
create communities that are vibrant places for people to live-places
that incorporate cultural facilities and place priority on developing
beautiful cityscapes.
In order to create such cities, there are many
issues that must be resolved, and technological R&D is a necessary
component of such resolution. Crucial to that effort will be research
into ways to harmonize urban structures and functionality with culture
and the environment. Comprehensive, interdisciplinary research must
be promoted now, and priority research support from the private sector
is imperative. The Obayashi Foundation -which has the backing of people
from a variety of related fields-was established to provide that kind
of research support.
I ask for your kind support of our endeavors.
September, 1998 |
Yoshiro Obayashi
Founder
The Obayashi Foundation
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