Gezgin, U. B. (2011). Spatial identity formation: How urban planning and economics are forming Asian urban identities? (Paper presented at the International Conference on Asian Identities: Trends in a Globalized World. 9-11 February, 2011 Bangkok, Thailand.)
Spatial Identity Formation: How Urban Planning and Economics Are Forming Asian Urban Identities?
Dr. Ulas Basar Gezgin, PhD,
lecturer, economics
E-mail: ulasbasar@gmail.com
Abstract
Most of the Asian cities are characterized by a rapid shift from primary sector to secondary, tertiary and quaternary sectors. The economic development dictates the form of the city and the form of the city constrains or allows economic development which exhibits the bidirectional relationship between economic development and the form of the city. Unlike many European cities, high rise buildings are considered to be the symbol of ‘modernity’, ‘civilization’ and wealth in the Asian sphere. Thus signature buildings have had priority over other projects. The postcard images of Asian cities are changing by the introduction of high-rise buildings in the urban skylines. These rather than historic heritages are the catching images of Asia by the rapid economic growth. On the other hand, economic sectors dictate the shape of the city as well: High-rise buildings are desired by the large multinational companies for prestige and professional convenience. They are often considered to be a way to attract foreign investment by the city governments. Asian world cities are no longer considered as cities of factories or export processing zones, but as a constellation of office spaces. Factories are moved out of the cities or smaller cities in many cases. Besides commercial uses as office space, hotels or shopping malls, high-rise buildings serve residential uses as the increasing number of high-rise apartments and service apartments would point out. In this context, this paper discusses the rise of high-rise buildings in the era of Asian growth phenomenon, and how they serve to forge an urban identity for the Asian geographies.
2. Gezgin, U. B. (2011). Spatial identity
formation: How urban planning and
economics are forming Asian urban
identities? (Paper presented at the
International Conference on Asian Identities:
Trends in a Globalized World. 9-11 February,
2011 Bangkok, Thailand.)
Asian spatial identity-Dr Gezgin 2/26/2011 2
3. Most of the Asian cities are characterized by a rapid
shift from primary sector to secondary, tertiary and
quaternary sectors. The economic development
dictates the form of the city and the form of the city
constrains or allows economic development which
exhibits the bidirectional relationship between
economic development and the form of the city.
Unlike many European cities, high rise buildings are
considered to be the symbol of ‘modernity’,
‘civilization’ and wealth in the Asian sphere. Thus
signature buildings have had priority over other
projects. The postcard images of Asian cities are
changing by the introduction of high-rise buildings in
the urban skylines. These rather than historic
heritages are the catching images of Asia by the rapid
economic growth.
Asian spatial identity-Dr Gezgin 2/26/2011 3
4. On the other hand, economic sectors dictate the
shape of the city as well: High-rise buildings are
desired by the large multinational companies for
prestige and professional convenience. They are
often considered to be a way to attract foreign
investment by the city governments. Asian world
cities are no longer considered as cities of factories
or export processing zones, but as a constellation of
office spaces. Factories are moved out of the cities
or smaller cities in many cases. Besides commercial
uses as office space, hotels or shopping malls, high-
rise buildings serve residential uses as the increasing
number of high-rise apartments and service
apartments would point out. In this context, this
paper discusses the rise of high-rise buildings in the
era of Asian growth phenomenon, and how they serve
to forge an urban identity for the Asian geographies.
Asian spatial identity-Dr Gezgin 2/26/2011 4
5. 1) A Brief History of Skyscrapers in Shanghai within the
Context of Urban Planning and Economic Development
2) A Brief History of Skyscrapers in Tokyo within the Context
of Urban Planning and Economic Development
3) A Brief History of Skyscrapers in Kuala Lumpur within the
Context of Urban Planning and Economic Development
4) A Brief History of Skyscrapers in Singapore within the
Context of Urban Planning and Economic Development
5) A Brief History of Skyscrapers in Seoul within the Context
of Urban Planning and Economic Development
6) A Brief History of Skyscrapers in Bangkok within the
Context of Urban Planning and Economic Development
Asian spatial identity-Dr Gezgin 2/26/2011 5
6. 7) Discussion and Conclusion
7.1) Heat Island Effect and Microclimate Issues
7.2) Traffic Congestion
7.3) The Uses (Psychological Aspects)
7.4) Privatization of Urban Planning
7.5) Negative/Positive Heritage Issues
7.6) City Image and Design Features
7.7) Possible Positive Externalities: Compact
Cities and Green Roofs
7.8) Future Directions
Asian spatial identity-Dr Gezgin 2/26/2011 6
7. The third city with the highest number of
high rise buildings in Asia after Tokyo and
Hong Kong.
565 high rises
An official population of 13.5 millions (the
total population amounts to 19 million with
floating migrant workers).
Skyscraper construction is a very recent
activity (it is a consequence of Deng Xiaoping
policies)
Asian spatial identity-Dr Gezgin 2/26/2011 7
8. Before 1990:
Songjiang Fang Pagoda (1077),
Bund Observatory (1884),
Custom House (1927),
Peace Hotel (1929),
Si Hang Warehouse (1931) and
Bank of China (1937) were the high rises of
the city, all less than 100 m. in height.
A typical pattern of moving from religious
and astronomical uses to uses as office, hotel
and mixed uses before 1990
Asian spatial identity-Dr Gezgin 2/26/2011 8
9. Oriental Pearl Tower (1994)
King Tower (1996)
Jin Mao Tower (1998)
CAAC Pudong Tower (2001),
Pudong Shangri La Hotel Extension (2005),
Oasis Skyway Garden Hotel (2006),
Shanghai Summit Shopping City (2006),
Shanghai World Financial Center (2006),
21st Century Mansion (2009),
BM Plaza (2009) and
Shanghai IFC South Tower (2009)
Asian spatial identity-Dr Gezgin 2/26/2011 9
10. By 2014, the tallest buildings of the city will
be Shanghai Tower (632 m), Shanghai World
Financial Center (492 m), Jin Mao Tower
(420.5 m), Shanghai Shimao International
Plaza (333.3 m) and White Magnolia Plaza 1
(319.5 m).
Currently, Jin Mao Tower is the tallest
building in People’s Republic of China. It has
world’s highest hotel rooms.
Asian spatial identity-Dr Gezgin 2/26/2011 10
11. An example of a signature building.
The construction of Shanghai World Financial
Center began in 1997, but the Asian Financial
Crisis delayed the construction.
When it was constructed, it was intended to
be the tallest building in the world.
Redesigned to minimize the human and
physical damages in the case of a plane crash
after September 11th
Asian spatial identity-Dr Gezgin 2/26/2011 11
12. Before 1968: High rise buildings that are
short of 100 m such as Ryounkaku (1890) and
Old Marunouchi Building (1923) which did not
survive.
Unlike these two, National Diet Building
(1936) still serves its function.
Kasumigaseki Building (1968) begin the high
rise development in Tokyo.
Asian spatial identity-Dr Gezgin 2/26/2011 12
13. Tokyo World Trade Center Building (1970),
Keio Plaza Hotel (1971)
KDDI Building (1974)
Shinjuku Sumitomo Building (1974)
Shinjuku Mitsui Building (1974),
Shinjuku Nomura Building (1978),
Sunshine 60 (1978),
Shinjuku Center Building (1979),
Tokyo Metropolitian Government Building 1
(1991),
Saint Luke's Tower (1994),
Shinjuku Park Tower (1994),
Ministry of Defense Building B (1996),
Asian spatial identity-Dr Gezgin 2/26/2011 13
14. TEPCO Building (1997),
Toshima Incineration Plant (1999),
NTT DoCoMo Yoyogi Building (2000),
Dentsu Headquarters Building (2002),
Shiodome City Center (2003),
Roppongi Hills Mori Tower (2003),
GranTokyo North Tower (2007),
GranTokyo South Tower (2007),
Mid-Town Tower (2007),
and Tokyo Mode Gakuen Coccoon Tower
(2009).
Asian spatial identity-Dr Gezgin 2/26/2011 14
15. Almost all of the high rises of Tokyo in 60s
and 70s are for office space with the
exception of two hotels, Tokyo Tower (1958)
which is used for communication purposes
and Senso-ji Five Storied Pagoda which is for
religious uses.
In 1980s we see mostly skyscrapers for office
use and a few hotels as well as Suginami
Incineration Plant (1982) which spews out
from 160 m of height. By 1989, we see
significant variation in the uses of high rise
buildings.
Asian spatial identity-Dr Gezgin 2/26/2011 15
16. River City 21 River Point Tower (1989); River City 21 Kosha Tower
Tsukuda (1989); River City 21 Skylight Tower (1990); River City 21
East Tower (1991), Saint Lukes Residence Tower (1994); Tomin
Tower Shinonome (1996); Triton View Tower (1998); River City 21
Century Park Tower (1999); River Harp Tower Building 2 (2000);
River City 21 East Towers (2000); Atago Green Hills Forest Tower
(2001); Tokyo Twin Parks Left Wing (2002); Tokyo Twin Parks Right
Wing (2002); Storia Shinagawa (2003); Shinagawa V-Tower (2003);
Roppongi Hills Residences B (2003); Roppongi Hills Residences C
(2003); Tokyo Times Tower (2004); Plaza Tower Kachidoki (2004);
W-Comfort Towers East Tower (2004); Acty Shiodome (2004);
Shinagawa Tower Face (2005); Bay Crest Tower (2005); Takanawa
The Residence (2005); W-Comfort Towers West Tower (2005);
Tornare Nihombashi-Hamacho (2005); Toranomon Towers
Residence (2006); Brillia Tower Tokyo (2006); Shibaura Island
Cape Tower (2006); Apple Tower (2007); Capital Mark Tower
(2007); Shibaura Island Grove Tower (2007); Shibaura Island Air
Tower (2007); Park Axis Aoyama 1-chome Tower (2007); Shibaura
Island Bloom Tower (2008); The Tokyo Towers Mid Tower (2008);
The Tokyo Towers Sea Tower (2008); and Central Park Tower La
Tour Shinjuku (2010).
Asian spatial identity-Dr Gezgin 2/26/2011 16
17. This list shows an enormous trend towards residential
uses. Tokyo residents do not only work on high rises,
they also live in high rises.
Educational uses of high rise buildings:
Kogakuin University Shinjuku Building (1989), STEC
Information Building (1992) and Tokyo Mode Gakuen
Coccoon Tower (2009).
The emergence of incineration plants with high rise
chimneys: Nerima Incineration Plant (1992),
Kita Incineration Plant (1998),
Shin-Koto Incineration Plant (1998),
Minato Incineration Plant (1999),
Toshima Incineration Plant (1999),
Shibuya Incineration Plant (2001),
and Chuo Incineration Plant (2001).
Asian spatial identity-Dr Gezgin 2/26/2011 17
18. Rainbow Bridge (1993) is a high rise structure
built for transportation purposes.
There are some mixed use high rises.
Government buildings such as Sumida Ward
Office, Metropolitan Government Building
Tower 1, Metropolitan Government Building
Tower 1 and Bunkyo Civic Center are high
rise.
These cases are interesting because in many
other cities, skyscraper construction is an
exclusively private business.
Asian spatial identity-Dr Gezgin 2/26/2011 18
19. The tallest building at its time of completion
and had the fastest elevator (600m/min)
It was built on the site of the prison for
Japanese World War II cabinet and high
officials; and witnessed execution of 7 top
figures including the prime minister of World
War II Japan, Hideki Tojo.
Asian spatial identity-Dr Gezgin 2/26/2011 19
20. Starts with a hotel (Mutiara KL, 1973) and
proceeds mostly by high rise for office space.
1988: Menara Maybank- 243.5 m.
1996: Menara Kuala Lumpur, a 335 m (used
for communication purposes).
1998: Petronas Towers- 451.9 m.
2001: Menara Telecom (2001)- 310 m height.
KILA Control Tower (used for the purposes of
traffic control)
Asian spatial identity-Dr Gezgin 2/26/2011 20
21. 1973-2000: the high rises were mostly used
for office space or as hotel.
2000: high rises built for residential use
8 Persiaran Hampshire,
North Block (2000),
8 Persiaran Hampshire,
South Block (2000),
Sri Tiara (2000),
Suasana Sentral Condominiums, 1 (2001) and
Suasana Sentral Condominiums, 2 (2001)
Asian spatial identity-Dr Gezgin 2/26/2011 21
22. A signature building, as it was constructed to be
the tallest building in the world, and it was
designed and built by various international
companies.
Built to forge a distinctive visual identity for the
city.
One tower is completely occupied by the
national oil company.
The postcard images of the city before the high
rise boom in Kuala Lumpur: Kuala Lumpur
Railway Station, (a colonial Moghul building) and
the mosques;
Now: Petronas Towers and/or KL Tower.
Asian spatial identity-Dr Gezgin 2/26/2011 22
23. Meritus Mandarin Singapore Tower 1 (1971), a
hotel with 144 m of height and
Meritus Mandarin Singapore Tower 2 (1973),
another hotel with 152 m of height.
Until 1982, almost all high rises are office space.
1982 is the first residential high rises.
1986: Overseas Union Bank Centre (280.1 m),
8 Shenton Way (234.7 m),
and Swissôtel The Stamford (226 m)
280 m is the maximum height by Sg Aviation
Authority
Asian spatial identity-Dr Gezgin 2/26/2011 23
24. 1982: Far Horizon Gardens Blk 1, 5, 7, 11,
and 15
2005: Bishan Blocks 288, 290 and 291 in 1992
and by Toa Payoh Blocks 145, 146, 147 and
151
2009: Central Park Tower and Marina Bay
Tower (the tallest residential high rise in
Singapore)
2010: the Pinnacle at Duxton Road - Block
1A, B, C, D, E, F, G
Asian spatial identity-Dr Gezgin 2/26/2011 24
25. Started in 1970 by Samil Building (110 m) and
since then was pursued by many office and a
comparatively high number of high rise
hotels with the notable exception of Seoul
Tower (1975, 236.7 m) which has been used
for communication purposes.
1997: the first residential high rise in Seoul
(Lotte Sky Tower).
Asian spatial identity-Dr Gezgin 2/26/2011 25
26. 2002: the year of residential high rise boom
by
Daewoo Trumpworld One,
Daewoo Trumpworld Two Tower 1,
Daewoo Trumpworld Two Tower 2,
Tower Palace 1 Tower D,
Boramae Chereville,
Tower Palace 1 Tower A,
Tower Palace 1 Tower C,
and Tower Palace 1 Tower B.
Asian spatial identity-Dr Gezgin 2/26/2011 26
27. Followed by other residential high rises such as
Hyundai Superville, Towers A, B and C, Mok-dong
Chereville Towers 1 and 2, Galleria Palace Towers B
and C, Hyundai Superville, Tower D, Tower Palace 3
Tower G, Mok-dong Hyperion Towers in 2003, LG
Shindorim Xii 101, 102, 103, Daelim Acroriver, Tower
A, I-Park Tower 101, 102, and 103, Academy Suite,
Tower Palace 2 Towers E and F in 2004, Park Suites
Seoul Towers A-B, Galleria Palace Tower A in 2005,
Mokdong Hyperion II, Towers 201, 202, 203, 205 and
206, The Sharp Star City, Towers A, B, C and D in
2006, Yongsan City Park Towers 102, 103, 201, 202 in
2007, Gundae Posco The Star City Towers A and B in
2008, Sangbong - Sante Le Ciel East and West Towers
and Mokdong Trapalace Towers A and C in 2009, and
Hawolgok Starclass Towers A and B in 2010.
Asian spatial identity-Dr Gezgin 2/26/2011 27
28. The last decade witnessed the rise of
residential high rises eclipsing other uses.
Tower Palace 3 Tower G is the tallest building
of South Korea and in the top list of the
tallest residential buildings worldwide.
Seoul has an high rise hospital as well
(Yonsei Medical Center, 2004, 106.7 m)
Asian spatial identity-Dr Gezgin 2/26/2011 28
29. Starts with Baiyoke Tower 1 which is a hotel
with 150.9 m of height.
Followed by another hotel, a residential high
rise, and two office high rises in 1993.
Residential high rises entered the scene in an
early stage compared to other cities.
Asian Financial Crisis (1998)
Bangkok surpassed 300 m in 1997 by Baiyoke
Tower II which is a hotel.
Asian spatial identity-Dr Gezgin 2/26/2011 29
30. Rama 8 Bridge (2002) and Industrial Ring
Road Bridge Parts I and II (2006) are notable
transportation high rises.
There is a high number of hotels which is not
surprising when the share of tourism in
Thailand’s economy would be considered.
3 tallest skyscrapers are all hotels (Baiyoke
Tower II, Meritus Suites State Tower and
Centara Grand Hotel).
The tallest building in Thailand and
Southeast Asia is Baiyoke Tower II (328 m)
Asian spatial identity-Dr Gezgin 2/26/2011 30
31. Since 2006, most of the high rise buildings are
residential high rises:
2006: Supalai Premier Place Asoke - Tower 1, The
Colony, Urbana Sathorn, The Fullerton
2007: St. Louis Grand Terrace, Le Raffine –
Jambunuda, The Madison, Baan Rajprasong, The Park
Residence - Tower 1, Centrepoint Ratchdamri
2008: The Infinity, Watermark Chaophraya - Tower
A, Empire Place
2009: The Emporio Place, Villa Rachatewee, Emporio
Place North Tower, Millennium Residence - Towers
1, 2, 3 and 4 and The MET
2010: Amanta Lumpini Condominium, The Aguston
Tower A, Hansa Residence, and The Pano
Asian spatial identity-Dr Gezgin 2/26/2011 31
32. 7.1) Heat Island Effect and Microclimate Issues
7.2) Traffic Congestion
7.3) The Uses (Psychological Aspects)
7.4) Privatization of Urban Planning
7.5) Negative/Positive Heritage Issues
7.6) City Image and Design Features
7.7) Possible Positive Externalities: Compact
Cities and Green Roofs
7.8) Future Directions
Asian spatial identity-Dr Gezgin 2/26/2011 32
33. Baiyoke Hotel (2010). Baiyoke Hotel. viewed 26 October 2010, <http://www.baiyokehotel.com/>.
Bangkok Municipality (2010). Bangkok Municipality. viewed 26 October 2010, <http://city.bangkok.go.th/en/bt-symbol.php>.
Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts (2010). Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts. viewed 26 October 2010,
<http://www.banyantree.com/en/bangkok/overview>.
Empire Tower Bangkok (2010). Empire Tower Bangkok. viewed 26 October 2010, <http://www.empiretower.co.th/main.html>.
Emporis (2010). Emporis. viewed 26 October 2010, <http://www.emporis.com>.
Jin Mao Tower (2010). Jin Mao Tower. viewed 26 October 2010, <http://www.jinmao88.com/en/jinmao_edifice.htm>.
K Residence, KL (2010). K Residence, KL. viewed 26 October 2010, <http://www.kresidence.com.my/>.
Kuala Lumpur Municipality (2010). Kuala Lumpur Municipality. viewed 26 October 2010, <http://www.dbkl.gov.my/index.php?lang=en>.
Lee, C.C. (2005). Environmental engineering dictionary. The Scarecrow Press, Inc: Maryland.
Petronas Twin Powers (2010). Petronas Twin Powers. viewed 26 October 2010, <http://www.petronastwintowers.com.my>.
Seoul Municipality (2010). Seoul Municipality. viewed 26 October 2010, <http://english.seoul.go.kr/gtk/cg/cityhall.php?pidx=2>.
Shanghai Municipality (2010). Shanghai Municipality. viewed 26 October 2010,
<http://www.shanghai.gov.cn/shanghai/node23919/index.html>.
Shanghai World Financial Center (2010). Shanghai World Financial Center. viewed 26 October 2010, <http://www.swfc-
shanghai.com/en/>.
Skyscraperpage (2010). Skyscraperpage. viewed 26 October 2010, <http://skyscraperpage.com/>.
Swiss Hotel (2010). Swiss Hotel. viewed 26 October 2010,
<http://www.swissotel.com/EN/Destinations/Singapore/Swissotel+The+Stamford/Hotel+Home/Hotel+Description>.
The Economist (2010). The Economist. viewed 26 October 2010,
<http://www.economist.com/research/economics/alphabetic.cfm?letter=e#externality>.
The MET Bangkok (2010). The MET Bangkok. viewed 26 October 2010, <http://www.met-bangkok.com/>.
Tokyo Municipality (2010). Tokyo Municipality. viewed 26 October 2010, <http://www.metro.tokyo.jp/ENGLISH/index.htm>.
World Buildings Directory (2010). World Buildings Directory. viewed 26 October 2010, <http://www.worldbuildingsdirectory.com>.
Asian spatial identity-Dr Gezgin 2/26/2011 33