FAKULTI ALAM BINA BSc in Architecture & MArch Design Studio

Faculty of Built and Environment

Shrinking Suburban Area in Japan

Tama New Town

SUBURBAN VS URBANISMS SUBURBAN VS URBANISMS URBAN SPRAWL CHALLENGES OF SUBURBS
Urban sprawl is the expansion of built-up areas beyond city
Group Members boundaries into adjacent regions. It is both a pattern and a
DEFINITION process with significant impacts on society. Transportation
Dependence on cars
Suburbanization: Linked to social mobility and middle class Urbanization: Involves various forms like suburban, peri- Key Characteristics: Limited public transport
growth during the Fordist era, driven by workers' urban, and exurban settlements, mostly expanding outside Irregular Expansion: Cities spread out in an unplanned, Traffic congestion
empowerment, purchasing power, and homeownership central urban cores. irregular manner. Air pollution
ideology. Greenhouse gas emissions
Wide Range of Influences: Involves economic, social,
CHARACTERISTICS AND LIVING CONDITIONS cultural, physical, and environmental aspects.
Infrastructure & Resources
Causes of Urban Sprawl: High maintenance costs
Suburban Areas Suburban Living Urban Areas Urban Living for infrastructure
Financial strain on
Supervisors Lower Superior quality of life: High
population Access to many amenities. Socio-Demographic Factors municipalities
DR. MASTURA BINTI ADAM | TS. DR. SHARYZEE | DR. NURDIYANA | DR. LIYANA HASNAN population Affordable housing, safety, Housing needs, lifestyle choices, income expansion.
density density
proximity to schools and Challenges Environmental Impact
Nur Nazleen Natasha Binti Suhaimi U2104492 parks. Economic Factors
Detached Traffic, Habitat destruction
Ahmad Hanaaei Bin Mohd Rafidi U2001312 Strong communal spirit. Diverse land use Development incentives, tax policies.
single-family (e.g., eateries, housing affordability, Fragmented natural
Ahmad Sameer Bin Sameri U2000584 landscapes
homes theaters, social disparities.
Megat Iskandar Bin Najib U2104533 Challenges: shopping areas). Political Factors Loss of green spaces
Peaceful Car dependency, Varied Environmental issue Government planning, city competition. Threats to biodiversity
Webinar Speakers family-oriented limited public transport, economic,
cultural, and Habitat destruction
atmosphere. fewer cultural amenities, social pollution. Physical Factors Social Issues
activities Poor urban planning, open space conversion. Increased social isolation
Inequalities for
Environmental Factors marginalized groups
SUBURBAN LIVING Geography, zoning laws, urban quality. Limited access to
transportation and
HOUSING TRANSPORT AMENITIES COMMUNITY Transportation Factors amenities
Car dependency, road infrastructure.
High-End Suburbs Car Dependency Communal Amenities
Wealthy areas with great Essential for daily Population Shift Millennials and
Introduction to course BIA3021 transportation and services. commuting
Parks and Recreation: In 2020 billion ppl lived Affordability
Leads to traffic
Community Hubs:
3.3
in cities
suburbs
cheaper housing
or
for affordable IMPORTANCE
Middle-Income Suburbs congestion, long billion & low-cost
This course focuses on how culture and context shape Affordable housing for diverse commutes, and
and better living

Quality of Life
buildings. A virtual study visit to Tokyo, Japan, will explore families. pollution
Health and Well-being: Diverse Communities
Over 50% minorities.
urban planning and contextual influences. An expert will also Public Transit
Access to nature Suburbs are becoming more diverse
Accessibility:
provide insights through a webinar. Economically Challenged Suburbs Fair Distance to Lower population =
Economically Middle- Affluent
Disadvantaged Income Suburbs
Slow growth and struggles to stations, reliability, less crowded = Suburbs Suburbs

62% 51% 51%

attract residents. safety, comfort enjoyable .
High minority population (62%).
Learning outcomes: Active Transportation
Relaxation: peaceful
Lists of References away from urban minorities minorities minorities
Describe design approaches, influences, Greenfield Lifestyle Suburbs Walking: secure, hustle Residential Centers Economic Hubs Transportation Connectivity Social & Cultural Enrichment
Luxurious new homes in planned well-maintained
styles, and integration of structure and communities. paths, shaded in
Reasons for Moving to Suburbs Housing for a large urban Host a wide range of Establish connections to Offer parks and
services in selected buildings. 27% minorities
Urban Amenities More space and lower housing population businesses and industries surrounding areas recreational spaces
warm climates.
Access costs.
Prepare a report and a group Cycling: Effective
Local Resources Better schools and recreational
Mitigate housing challenges Create job opportunities Reliant on private vehicles Provide educational
Greenfield Value Suburbs with bike lanes,
PowerPoint presentation on the analysis. Affordable new homes for first- and bike-sharing Urban Proximity: facilities. in urban cores for local residents Infrastructure for non- institutions
Analyze and present the material as a time buyers. programs. access to amenities Quieter, safer environment Provide various housing Enhance economic motorized transport can Host community hubs
theatres, shopping compared to cities.
group. Longer commutes, fewer
complexes, and
options to meet diverse dynamism and resilience enhance connectivity Enhance residents' well-
amenities. Desire for a relaxed lifestyle away
medical services. from city noise. needs being

INTRODUCTION TO TOKYO PAST PRESENT TOKYO

Tokyo, Japan's capital, blends urban intensity with suburban tranquility, combining modernity and tradition. Edo Era (1603 - 1868) Tokugawa Era in Edo Period) Meiji Era (1868 - 1912) Taisho Era (1912 - 1926) Showa Era (1926 - 1989) Modern Era
The city's diverse neighborhoods, both urban and suburban, contribute to its cultural identity.
12th Century: Leadership: End of Tokugawa era; Japan becomes a Reign of Emperor Taisho from July 30, Early Phase: Tokyo: A Global Hub:
Edo Village founded by the Edo clan. Tokugawa Ieyasu transformed Edo from modern nation-state. 1912, to December 25, 1926. Political totalitarianism, Known for innovation and culture.
an outpost to a prosperous city. ultranationalism, and fascism. Boasts towering skyscrapers and
1457: Emperor Meiji moves capital to Tokyo. Emperor Taisho's poor health led to a Invasion of China in 1937. advanced technology
Ota Doshan constructs Edo Castle. Land Reclamation: Shift of power from Tokugawa Bakufu shift in power: Involvement in World War II.
INTEGRATION Expanded the city by reclaiming land to nobles and samurai. From elder statesmen (genro) to Metropolis of Diversity:
URBAN CORE Connectivity: 1590: using Kanda Mountain. the Diet of Japan and Post-War Transformation: World's most populous city, blending
Efficient public transport SUBURBAN ENCLAVES Tokugawa Ieyasu takes control and Major reforms: democratic parties. Occupied by foreign powers, tradition with modernity.
Key Areas: Shinjuku, Shibuya
(Tokyo Metro, rail lines) Features: transforms the castle. Water Supply: End of feudal privileges. leading to democratic reforms. Ancient temples alongside neon-lit
Features: Diverted water from Inokashira Pond to Introduction of democratic ideals. Known as "Taisho democracy" due to End of emperor's divine status. streets.
Easy movement between city and Quiet residential streets
Skyscrapers, Busy streets, 1603-1868: solve water scarcity. Universal conscription. the liberal movement. Became a constitutional
suburbs Green parks Edo period begins with Ieyasu, and Shogunate: Established in Edo in 1603. Military modernization. monarchy. Attractions for Visitors:
Commercial & entertainment the castle becomes a symbol of Rapid industrialization. Marked by political liberalization and Economic recovery and growth,
Benefits: Community spaces Efficient public transportation .
centers, Major transportation Tokugawa power. Population Growth: contrast to the preceding Meiji era and known as the Japanese economic Diverse culinary scene and vibrant
Access to city amenities and jobs Role: Peaceful living, close to city 150,000 by 1609 Success in the militarism of the early Showa miracle.
hubs entertainment districts.
Enjoy suburban tranquility and amenities 1636: One million by 1721 Sino-Japanese War (1894-95) Russo- period. Sovereignty restored with the
Role: Economic engine, Edo Castle is completed under Japanese War (1904-05). Treaty of San Francisco in 1952. Suburban Lifestyle:
diverse population community spirit Hidetada and Iemitsu. Legacy: Emperor Meiji's death in 1912 marks the spacious residential areas.
Edo became the bustling heart of Japan end of this transformative period. Lush parks and easy access to urban
during the Tokugawa Era. amenities.

URBAN MORPHOLOGY IN TOKYO

DEMOGRAPHY GEOGRAPHY CLIMATE LANGUAGE CULTURE RELIGION
Seasonal Weather

1 Early City Development (1590-1656)

phases

Castle town layout, moats, embankments

2 Maturity and Reconstruction (1657-1715)

phases

Meireki Fire, reconstruction, population growth

Summer
Japan's Population (2024) Location (June-Sept) Language
3
Large Metropolis (1716-1867) Total: 122.7 million Southern Kanto region Hot, humid Japanese: Spoken by 128 Culture Language
phases

Increased density, commercial hubs, zoning Urban: 93.5% Bordered by: Chiba (east), (25-30°C / 77-86°F) million people. Harmony: Central to social Shintoism: Focuses on
Density: 338 people/km² Yamanashi (west), Kanagawa possible typhoons
Language Family: Japonic, interactions and arts. ancestor worship and nature
Median age: 49.1 years (south), Saitama (north)
Winter specifically the Japanese- Traditional Arts: Calligraphy, reverence. Worship sites are
Greater Tokyo Area: Includes
4 Western Influence (1868-1900) Birth rate: 1.34 children per woman (Dec-Feb) Ryukyuan branch. flower arrangement, tea called jinja (shrines), marked by
phases

Modernization, Western design, new transport Saitama, Chiba, Kanagawa Mild

Origins: Uncertain, with ceremony emphasize torii gates.
Tokyo's Population (2024) (5-10°C / 41-50°F),
debated connections to Ainu, mindfulness and nature. Buddhism: Emphasizes eternal
Total: 37.1 million Administrative Divisions occasional snow
23 special wards Austroasiatic, Korean, and Futuristic and Traditional: life and enlightenment.
Daytime population: 15.6 million
ECONOMY Workforce: 26 cities, 3 towns, 1 village (Tama ) Spring others. Japan blends modern Worship sites are called otera
Global Finance Hub: Tokyo is a key center for Clerical/Technical/Management Izu and Ogasawara Islands (2 towns, (Mar-May): Dialects in Tokyo: The Tokyo technology with ancient (temples), often including
finance, publishing, electronics, and (42%), Sales/Services (26%), 7 villages) Mild dialect is prevalent, with unique traditions. cemeteries and pagodas. Zen
(10-20°C / 50-68°F), local nuances. Diverse Experiences: From Buddhism focuses on
broadcasting. Manufacturing/Transport (18%) cherry blossoms
Post-WWII Growth: Major companies moved to Special-Ward Area Standard Japanese: The tranquil countryside to bustling meditation and discipline.
Tokyo for government access. Population Trends Area: 627 km² dominant form used cities and historic temples. Notable Sites in Tokyo: Meiji
Autumn
Economic Challenges: GDP fluctuations and low Peak: 13.35 million (2020) Population: 9.24 million (Oct-Nov): nationwide, influenced by Shrine (Shinto) and Sensoji
spending in 2023, strong exports due to a weak 2100 (Projected): 7.13 million (aging Density: 14,746 people/km² Pleasant regional variations. Temple (Buddhism) are key
yen, and Japan's global economic ranking. population) Hub for politics, economy, culture, (10-20°C / 50-68°F) spiritual landmarks.
and transport colorful foliage
1970s Inflation Impact: High inflation led to
economic growth and suburban expa

HISTORY OF TAMA
Tama Area Overview Tama New Town Development History Infrastructure and Layout
Location : Spans Tama City, Hachioji Pre-Development: Residential Districts: Population per District:

21
Machida City, Inagi City

12k-20k
Rugged, wooded landscapes
Size : 3,000 hectares each around
with agricultural villages.
Purpose : Address Tokyo's housing Planning Phase: 1960s-1970s. 100 hectares residents
shortage, green spaces.
Goals:
Facilities:
Residents

Modernist new towns,

340k

commuter hubs & green belt

Initial

Construction Start: 1967. Elementary

stores schools
Junior high post office police box
Location : Suburban enclave of Tokyo, schools
about 30 km west of Tokyo Station
Size : 1,160 sq km.
4.4m

cities
26

Key Developments:
village town

Waterworks, roads, residential .

3

Establishment: Late 1960s Expansion: From east to west over 30 years.

1

TAMA AS SUBURB TAMA ECONOMIC CASE STUDIES OF TAMA

1971: Early Development

First Districts Occupied: Start: Built as a solution to Tokyo's housing needs. The term "New Town" in Japan can refer to various types of residential areas, from districts and apartment units to small housing lots. Tama New Town, one of the largest,
Suwa and Nagayama
Growth: was planned for 410,000 residents over 3,014 hectares. The Japanese word "machi" adds to the confusion, as it can mean anything from an independent town to a small
Housing: Building Style: Self-Sufficient Urban Area: Developed businesses, block or alley, leading to a broad use of "New Town."
Initial units were all rental 5-story blocks without universities, and institutions.
apartments, primarily 2DK or elevators, arranged in
Tama Center: Became a regional hub for shopping,
3DK, around 50m². south-facing rows.
Advertising often uses terms like "Château" or "Mansion" to suggest luxury, even if the properties aren't upscale. Unlike British new towns, which are independent with
entertainment, and services.
Issues: local jobs, Japanese new towns are primarily residential, serving as suburban areas for city workers. For example, Tama New Town, 30 km west of Tokyo, was designed in
Variety: Many different types of businesses and
Small, quickly built the 1960s to provide housing and limit city sprawl. It mainly features residential zones with some schools, parks, and commercial centers, but lacks sufficient local jobs,
apartments; traffic congestion universities here.
to train stations. Issues: Some people leaving, and there's an older making it a commuter town for Tokyo workers.
population.
Mid-Development Phase Plans: Bring in new businesses, make it attractive for
everyone, and improve roads and buildings.
RESIDENTIAL CONNECTIVITY INFRASTRUCTURE COMMUNITY
Expanded Housing: Goal: Keep growing and stay strong for the future.
Varied Architecture: Administrative Changes: Origins: Family-Friendly Start:
Larger units introduced in districts like
Mid-rise buildings with green Tama's growth led to boundary Developed in the 1960s and 1970s to Planned for families with kids,
Toyogaoka
spaces give Tama its adjustments but kept its city solve Tokyo's housing shortage and attracted by green spaces and
Demographics: suburban feel. status. preserve nature. suburban life.
Predominantly young families, resulting TAMA SUBURBAN - SHRINKING CITIES Around Tama Center, taller
in a high ratio of children.
buildings create an urban Land Development: Smart Infrastructure: Growing Diversity:
vibe with mixed-use areas. Started in 1968, transforming old Designed for 150,000 people, with Professionals from nearby
Challenges: Current Trends: areas into bustling zones by 1989. railways, roads, and water from the businesses and students from
Temporary Living: Tama and Yūgi sectors became Tama River. universities add variety.
Shortage of schools and educational Cities and suburbs are
staff; heavy reliance on cars due to poor experiencing a decline in Despite affordable options, home to many residents with
public transport. many see Tama as a planned layouts. Neighbourhood Focus: Aging Population:
population and aging temporary stop rather than Some areas are getting older as
Each district has schools, post offices,
demographics. a permanent home. kids move out, leading to
Transportation Backbone: and medical services for a cohesive
1974: Infrastructure Improvement A survey showed only 37% of Trains linked Tama to Tokyo, community feel. challenges like school closures.
Affected New Towns: households planned to stay
Tama Center Station: shifting it from a commuter spot
Examples like Tama New long-term, with feelings to a full-fledged city. Active Engagement:
Opened to reduce traffic congestion, possibly changing over time. Transport Hub:
Town near Tokyo are Roads and trains formed the core, Tama Center Station connects to
Residents take part in local events,
providing connectivity to Shinjuku maintain shared spaces, and push
facing challenges due to connecting neighborhoods and Shinjuku, reducing car reliance;
Station. for better services.
population loss and Urban Fabric: fueling growth. monorail boosts local mobility.
stagnant land markets. Three main types of areas:
1980s: Western Expansion low-rise houses, mid- to Resilient Spirit:
Adaptive Planning: Green Spaces: Despite challenges, the
Issues Faced: high-rise towers, and Tama adjusted plans to fit local
New Districts: densely packed blocks near Parks like Tama Central Park offer community stays strong and works
Population Growth: Aging population, vacant needs, unlike strict ones recreational spots, enhancing the together for a better future.
Ochiai and Tsurumaki the station. elsewhere.
by 1985, reached buildings, and degraded Buildings are arranged along suburban vibe.
(5-11 story apartments, townhouses, It stayed linked to Tokyo's Shinjuku
landscapes are common. streets or face south, with Vibrant Evolution:
row houses, detached houses). Station, showing their close ties.
Job opportunities are few large open spaces. Mixed-Use Areas: Diverse mix of families,
100,000 limited, leading to
Pedestrian Integration:
Tama Center's shops and professionals, and seniors keep
commuting to cities. Population Density: entertainment venues create a lively the town lively and evolving.
Walking paths joined atmosphere.
Tama's density is lower than neighborhoods, making it easier to
New Amenities: Four universities, various
U N IV E R S I TY
Population Shifts: Tokyo's average, with 42 42 people/ get around.
companies, and additional
People are moving from people per hectare.
hectar Special streets improved safety Challenges:
services around Tama
Center Station. remote suburbs to city and made walking more enjoyable. Aging population and outdated
centers, encouraged by Housing Types: infrastructure need modernization;
urban renewal laws. Typical dwellings, like the hilly terrain poses mobility issues.
2000-2006: Final Development Phase Neighborhood Centers:
3DK type, offer about 60 Centers like Tama Center became
Monorail: Began operation in Tama New Town Specifics: square meters of space. hubs for shopping and community Ongoing Improvement:
2000, enhancing intra-town Projected population not Some layouts, like the 1DK, life. Despite challenges, continuous
may feel cramped for They became gathering spots for efforts ensure Tama New Town
mobility. reached, rapid aging, and
families, highlighting space locals and helped the town thrive. remains a desirable and livable
declining school challenges in New Town community.
Project Completion: Officially enrollment. Residents feel living.
isolated, and buildings are Transportation Challenges:
completed in 2006, shifting More cars caused traffic issues,
abandoned.
focus from construction to but solutions were found.
maintenance.