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8. Appeal to Nichiren Shoshu for
the Preservation of the Grand Reception Hall |
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From the Japan Institute
of Architects
Appeal To Nichiren Shoshu
For the Preservation of the Grand Reception Hall
From the Japan Institute of ArchitectsSeptember 29, 1995
TO:
High Priest Nikken Abe
Nichiren Shoshu Head Temple Taiseki-ji
FROM:
Japan Institute of Architects*
Naomi Tanabe, Director, Tokai Chapter
Susumu Kawano, Chairman, Headquarters Public Relations
Committee, Existing Structures Assessment Advocacy Service
Katuya Natsume, Chairman, Preservation Issues Committee,
Kanto-
Koshin’etsu Chapter
Request for the Preservation of Daikyakuden (Grand Reception
Hall) at Taiseki-ji
We have been informed that the facilities at the Head
Temple are undergoing inspections for earthquake resistance.
We understand that it has been decided Daikyakuden should
be reconstructed as a result. We request that this decision
be reconsidered on closer re-inspection of the building.
Today the first and foremost task that we face in the
preservation of architecture is to implement countermeasures
against earthquakes. Seismic reinforcement will prolong
the use of the structure, and continued use can provide
opportunities for cultural enrichment. Moreover, by avoiding
a scrap-and-build approach, construction materials can
be efficiently used to prevent waste of resources on a
global scale. Daikyakuden has been the recipient of the
Architecture Society Award, a superlative distinction
in architectural circles, and is a piece of modern architecture
that will be admired by future generations. We sincerely
hope the 31-year history of Daikyakuden—during which,
since it was completed in 1964, Nichiren Shoshu believers
have surely become quite fond of it—will be allowed
to continue once the prospect of its economic efficiency
and structural safety is established.
When considering the relationship between the structural
reinforcement and utility value of a building, economic
viability and practical convenience resulting from reinforcement
should be a primary objective. In general, reinforcement
measures are implemented on an incremental, trial-and-error
basis so as to produce a plan that combines both economics
and functionality. Such a step-by-step process, therefore,
is one in which is most likely to yield the optimal result.
In the case of Daikyakuden, we are confident that a method
can be arrived at, following various tests, which achieves
relatively low cost and allows usage of the facility during
its reinforcement. We have been informed that of the viable
measures, such as the reinforcement of the facility's
hollow columns, the addition of quake resistant walls
and underground beams, that have been proposed, reinforcement
of the hollow columns alone would be sufficient to ensure
structural safety. We therefore wish to reiterate our
request that an extensive examination be conducted, with
the building's designers themselves taking part in the
endeavor.
In conclusion, we would like to point out that the Institute
and its Tokai Chapter would be delighted to provide the
utmost assistance in cooperating with the architectural
designers to inspect earthquake resistance and devise
a viable reinforcement strategy for the structures on
Taiseki-ji's premises.* With some 7,000 members, The Japan
Institute of Architects is the profession's largest and
most prestigious association in the country.
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