Japan's tallest building, Azabudai Hills, designed to be safest shelter during major earthquakes

Tokyo's Azabudai Hills, standing at 330 meters and holding the title of Japan's tallest building, has been engineered with exceptional seismic resistance, designed to remain operational even during major earthquakes. Mori Building, the developer, stated on August 21st that the complex, comprising three towers including the central Mori JP Tower, possesses seismic performance capable of withstanding events like the magnitude 9.0 Great East Japan Earthquake or the magnitude 7.3 Great Hanshin Earthquake.

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Even if an earthquake of the magnitude of the Great East Japan Earthquake or the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake occurs in Tokyo, you can rest assured and continue your work.

The building's advanced structural integrity is attributed to a sophisticated system of approximately 1,800 seismic damping devices. Key among these are 1,200 buckling restrained braces, which absorb seismic energy by expanding and contracting. Additionally, around 300 oil dampers, similar to shock absorbers in cars, are installed throughout the structure to control earthquake-induced damage. The complex also features 300 viscous damping walls, which act as a flexible joint between steel plates, further mitigating seismic impact. Real-time monitoring systems with internal sensors allow staff to track building sway and guide occupants to safety.

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About 1,800 devices to control earthquake tremors are installed in just one building.

Beyond its structural resilience, Azabudai Hills is designed to function as a critical disaster refuge. In the event of transportation disruptions due to earthquakes, the complex can shelter up to 3,600 individuals who are stranded and unable to return home. When combined with Mori Building's other properties, Roppongi Hills and Toranomon Hills, the total capacity reaches approximately 14,000 people. Extensive emergency supplies, including food for 360,000 meals, masks, sanitary products, and diapers, are stored on-site. This preparedness reflects a shift in Japanese urban planning, influenced by the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake, towards creating buildings that serve as safe havens rather than structures to be evacuated.

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The fact that a large-scale landmark, which everyone knows, can serve as the safest shelter in a disaster situation is noteworthy.