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Built Environment
of the Rooftop
What is in this Section
Introduction
In relevance to the previous page, the built environment is “everything humanly made, arranged, and maintained to fulfill human purposes (needs, wants, and values) and to marinate the overall environment, with results that affect the environmental context” (Bartuska, 2007, p.5).
To make it clear what is included in the built environment, Bartuska (2007) categorizes it into seven interrelated components: products, interiors, structures, landscape, cities, regions, and Earth.
With the scope of the built environment in mind, as illustrated in the previous page, the built environment of places plays an important role in bringing some people in as well as excluding others out. In the case of Miyashita Park, the establishment of consumerism or social activity that functions within the built environment was firstly highlighted as one factor to explain youth’s prominent existence on the rooftop. However, the effects of the built environment are not only about the opportunity creations for certain social groups to be at a location as can be probably assumed from the definitions already provided so far, but how the space is designed/laid out can affect the whole social/public experience of people using that space, which is supported by Sibley (1995)’s statement as follows: “we can envision the built environment as an integral element in the production of social life, conditioning activities and creating opportunities” (p.76). Thus, not limited to opportunities, how people perceive, react to, and engage with the space can be greatly driven by the built environment.
This section covers the built environment and mapping of Miyashita rooftop including its spatial layout, six different sub spaces (e.g., sports facilities, information center etc.), and natural environment, and how it all possibly impacts users’ perception, reaction, or engagement in this space. The section concerns the first four components of the built environment defined by Bartuska above (Products, Interiors, Structures, & Landscape). First and foremost, it is important to identify the general environment/mapping of Miyashita rooftop as it allows us to have a coherent transition to the next two sub-sections where it is discussed how youth actually use/experience this built environment.
(Bartuska, 2007, p.6-7)
Sitting Spot#1: Three Open Lawn Spaces
Many seating spots including lawn spaces and benches are installed on the rooftop. Lawn spaces are in three different locations primarily on the North block: (1) one behind the Starbucks building, (2) one that is the biggest and is on the North block edge, and (3) the other in front of the Park Center (hereinafter called (1) “the Starbucks lawn”, (2) “the biggest lawn”, & (3) “the Park Center lawn”).
Open lawn spaces become approximately 1000m2 in total (LIVE JAPAN, 2021). This is a great opportunity for people to rest and have communication with peers.
Sitting Spot#2: Three Types of Benches
In addition to these three lawn spaces, three types of benches are distributed on the whole area of the roof.
(1) First style of bench is what may be called “pole benches” that are located along the border of the roof.
(2) Second style is “chain-link benches” available for either two or three people.
(3) Third style is “concrete benches.” The biggest bench section is in the center of the roof, being shaped like a rectangle surrounding the central stairs.
The provision of sitting opportunities such as open lawn spaces and benches allow social gathering and interaction. They are open for park visitors to gather, rest, and participate in social interaction. It fosters a sense of belonging and social cohesion within one’s community group.
Hachiko Statue Space
There is a small area where it is behind the central stair and has a small Hachiko statue on the concrete board that makes a shape of Shibuya ward. This is a bench as public art created by Yasuhiro Suzuki. From its north-south elongated shape, Miyashita Park is considered to be a place resembling a compass needle. Along with the concrete walls surrounding the statue of Hachiko, the space is designed in the shape of a compass (Shibukei, 2020).
By placing the Hachiko statue that is an emblem of Shibuya, visitors can truly feel that they are in Shibuya. Moreover, it also evokes the sense of a new meeting place, a spot where people gather and interact.
Two Stairs
Two stairs are located on the rooftop:
(1) one is located in the center of the roof and next to Starbucks, connecting to the third floor, and
(2) the other is on the South block edge going all the way to the first floor (hereinafter called (1) “the central stairs”, & (2) “the South side stairs”).
Both stairs are wide, giving enough space for people to navigate safely and reducing the risk of fall. It also encourages the flow of people in busy situations.
Wide Main Pathways
Main pathways on the rooftop have good walkability with its size. Wide streets increase capacity and people are flexible in moving around. They can also stop and chat without obstructing the flow of other people. In emergency situations, wide pathways give a clear route for people to evacuate to safety.
Elevators and Escalators
Elevators and escalators are installed in several locations so that park visitors can access the rooftop from anywhere. Older people and people with disabilities can also feel free to visit the place.
Products & Interiors/Spatial Layout
Built Environment/Mapping of the Rooftop
While the bottom three floors consist of the separate South and North blocks connected by corridor, the rooftop is all the way through from end to end, forming an elongated shape.
Effects of the Built Environment
What does this built environment/mapping of Miyashita rooftop
primarily mean?
First and foremost, the built environment of Miyashita rooftop first gave researchers a big impression that this place is a little nature in an urban setting, and it is a spot where people can freely rest and communicate with others. A lot of green infrastructures including lawns, garden plants and trees link architecture and nature. This whole green scenery is rare in Tokyo. The rooftop becomes Tokyo’s nature escape and brings a sense of comfort by being surrounded by its green and open sight. On top of this idea, the roof provides great opportunities for socializing. Arranged seating areas including lawns and benches are perfect spots for people to rest and communicate/interact with peers. By using sports facilities, people may encounter new others and share the same culture. Even on their route to these seating areas and sports facilities, the wideness of pathways and stairs makes it possible for park visitors to stop and socialize without obstructing the flow of others. This social chance can be further enhanced by the roof’s good accessibility through stairs, escalators, and elevators situated in various places. With these ideas in mind, what important meanings does the built environment/mapping of Miyashita rooftop give to its users?
Central cultural behavior on the rooftop is non-consumerism driven. Although there are some places that require payment (three sports facilities, cafes, & hotel), most of them are located on the edge of the elongated shape of the roof. Large areas of the rooftop are occupied free of economy including many seating spots such as lawn spaces and benches, and wide pathways that allow social gathering and interaction.
Dousti, Kazemi, and Behzadfar (2018) describe that “the extent of staying activities as the most important factor in strengthening social life” (p.41). Benches are distributed everywhere on the rooftop and it adds three open lawn spaces with the total size of 1000m2, which considerably offers users free resting/sitting and promotes social interaction.
1. Social Activity > Consumerism
There are some environments that possibly contribute to the establishment of security on the rooftop. First, the existence of manned facilities such as an information center and Starbucks put eyes on the street. This gives potential criminals/unwanted users perceptions of “being watched.” Second, Miyashita Park Center itself operates as a public order keeper of the rooftop. People inside the center monitor security footage detecting suspicious persons. They are also in charge of quality management of the rooftop such as cleaning and maintaining grass and equipment. The rooftop is usually very clean with no garbage and litter. Lawns and plants are also well maintained. By keeping the environmental quality, Smith and Brooks (2013) indicates that it shows “a perception of care that can reduce the fear of crime and induce legitimate behavior” (p.114). Third, a clear sight-line improves the visibility of the space by reducing hiding spots. As not many objects block one’s sight and they can see what is ahead along a route, it keeps potential criminals/unwanted users under observations of legitimate users. Finally, greenery can also play a role in preventing crimes. Kuo and Sullivan state that “those living in greener surroundings have lower levels of fear, suffer fewer incivilities, and less aggressive and violent behaviors.” They also found that “the greener the facility’s surrounds, the fewer crimes are reported. The use of high canopy trees and green grass areas work to deter crime and improve wellness” (as cited in Smith & Brooks, 2013, p.85).
All of these factors are likely to contribute to the construction of security on the rooftop as preventing potential intruders/unwanted behaviors, crimes and assaults. Maintained security and preserved public order give users of the roof impressions that spaces are consistently safe and comfortable.
2. Sense of “Security”
With the idea of the “dramaturgical” model proposed by Erving Goffman, social life is “theatre” and people are engaged in performance as actors to present a best perception of self. In other words, people are primarily concerned with how they appear in society and they always act trying to show their best “faces” or a “correct” self on the purpose of winning recognition and approval from others (as cited in Karp, Stone, Yoels, & Dempsey, 2015, p.91-92). This sociological view of self-presentation can be essentially adopted in the stage of the rooftop. The provision of clear sight-line leads ones to have the audience anywhere on the roof. By stimulating a sense of “being seen,” persons on the rooftop are regularly compelled to the situation where they attempt to deliver proper appearance to their audience.
3. Sense of "Performance"
4. Sense of "Play"
By installing sports facilities (a skate park, bouldering wall, and sand court) and 1000 m2 of vast open lawn spaces, the rooftop provides users a feeling of sort of play. All sports facilities provide its users a good chance to meet new people and play together. While the skate park and the bouldering wall may be used by individuals, having sports as a trigger makes it easier to break walls of hearts of strangers. The sand court especially encourages opportunities of group play, offering group fun moments and a chance to develop good friendship. Although one doesn’t play any sports, open lawn spaces also provide enough space for them to freely move and play around with peers.
(1) Skate Park
A skate park is located on the South block edge, being covered with chain-link. People pay to use this facility. The place is big enough and has many intricate and playful features, making it pretty enjoyable. Skaters may have social connections with other skaters here.
6 Sub-Spaces(Structures)
Sports Facilities
(2) Bouldering Wall
A bouldering wall is located next to the skate park. The place can be the tallest physical object on the rooftop. Users can learn from professional staff. Same as the skate park, people have to pay to use this facility. It can be a great way to meet new people by visiting here.
(3) Sand Court
A sand court is located next to the bouldering wall. This place is usable by multiple orientations including soccer and volleyball. Same as the skate park and bouldering wall, people who wish to use this facility have to pay. By having sports competitions here, the rooftop will have a vibrant atmosphere. People who don’t join the competitions can enjoy watching them.
(4) Miyashita Park Center (Information Center)
This place functions as an information center on the rooftop. People who work here are concerned with sports facility reception, lawn care, cleaning, security footage, and most of the rooftop maintenance. If visitors have any problems, they can come here and ask for help.
(5) Starbucks
Starbucks is located in the center of the roof and next to the central stairs. While the general wall color of Starbucks is either black or brown, the one here is painted in white.
People may buy drinks and food from here and have it at seating places while enjoying a conversation. Starbucks can also be a spot to consume trends for youth
(Learn more about trend consumption through materials among youth in Shion's section).
(6) The sequence hotel & Valley Park Stand cafe
Sequence MIYASHITA PARK is a hotel located on the North block edge. With the philosophy of “heartfelt connections”, and the three concepts of “SMART”, “OPEN”, and “CULTURE”, the hotel is aimed to offer guests “free time, freely passed.” The café called “VALLEY PARK STAND” exists on the first floor of the building. This café not only functions as a regular café, but also becomes a reception and lounge of the hotel (Miyashita Park, n.d.).
This sequence hotel enables people to have a new experience of staying in the center of the metropolis and to bask in the appealing night scenery of Shibuya. Cafe on the first floor gives the impression that hotels are also open for non-hotel guests.
Landscape
Clear Sight-Line
Once you go up to the roof, you possibly feel “this place is open.” The rooftop delivers good visibility. Installing lawns, few and low height of physical objects, low planters, and chain-link fences, all contribute to the construction of a clear line of sight. Given the abilities to see what is ahead along a route, there is not much to block one’s view.
Greenery
The rooftop is very rich in green. The border of the rooftop is surrounded with plants (picture in bottom left). Green elements including lawns, plants, trees, and green wall (bottom right) are all over the rooftop. They are well maintained. Park visitors can possibly feel a little nature being on the rooftop.
Cleanness
Floors of the rooftop are regularly clean with no garbage and litter. It can give visitors a sense of cleanliness and proper care, as if the place is well-maintained and taken care of.
Conclusion
This section covered the overall built environment and mapping of the rooftop. With its rough visual impact, this roof is like a little nature in a big city with its abundant greenery sight, bringing a sense of comfort for visitors. On top of that, the existence of sports facilities and many seating spots provide people great opportunities for social interaction. Another important take is that consumerism possesses a low presence. Some facilities require payment but vast areas of the roof are free-economic driven and tolerate social gathering and interaction, and which becomes an essential element especially among youth who don’t have adequate financial resources to participate in consumerism. Furthermore, although numbers of facts within the built environment of the roof can affect users’ experience with that space, three factors are primarily expected to be important indicators of how people perceive, react to, and engage in the rooftop space. First, besides Miyashita Park Center plays a role of a public order keeper, the presence of manned facilities naturally provides eyes on the roof and it adds to the roof’s quality management, clear sight-line, and greenery view, which all contribute to a sense of security. Second, the clear sight-line improves the visibility of anything and puts visitors in situations where as if they are on a stage with the audience. Given that, those visitors are constantly required to act proper and deliver their best faces (a sense of performance). Finally, the installation of sports facilities and lawn spaces give a feeling of play. Sports are often prompted by intrinsic factors such as enjoyment and pleasure like play. Vast grass areas also provide park visitors enough space to freely move and play around with peers.