Japan's tallest earthquake-resistant building.

The Mori JP Tower, standing over 325 meters tall, is equipped with numerous systems to reduce strong vibrations and can withstand earthquakes up to magnitude 9.

The Mori JP Tower has 64 floors. Photo: Jason Orange — The Mori JP Tower has 64 floors. Photo: *Jason O'Rear*

Mori JP Tower has become Japan's tallest new building. Standing at 325.2 meters tall in Tokyo, the building was designed to reduce energy reliance on the grid with numerous sustainable features and earthquake resistance capabilities. Mori JP Tower, designed by Pelli Clarke & Partners, is located in Azabudai Hills, a new district with ample green space that includes Heatherwick Studio buildings and two other skyscrapers, New Atlas reported on March 19th.

The new skyscraper features a glass facade reminiscent of the symmetrical shape of a lotus flower, with four curved glass panels resembling petals. The exterior is also illuminated by integrated light strips designed by the American company L'Observatoire International, creating a harmonious glow at night. Inside, the 64-story building combines residential and office spaces.

Mori JP Tower is the tallest skyscraper in Japan, but not the tallest building. That title belongs to Tokyo Skytree (634 m). Additionally, Tokyo Tower (332.9 m) is also taller than Mori JP Tower. Both are broadcasting and observation towers and are not included in the height rankings of the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat because they do not meet the criterion of at least 50% of their area being inhabited.

In fact, the height of Mori JP Tower may not seem impressive on its own. The building ranks only 134th in the world in height, but it is a remarkable structure considering the construction challenges in a seismically active area like Tokyo. According to the contractor Mori, the building will continue to function normally even during a magnitude 9 earthquake like the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011.

To ensure the skyscraper remains stable, steel pipe piles filled with high-strength concrete and several damping systems were installed to reduce swaying. Additionally, the building includes an emergency shelter with a capacity of 3,600 people and a storage area for essential supplies in case of natural disasters.

"High-strength steel and concrete are used to maintain the structure's balance. We also placed vibration control devices in key areas, effectively reducing vibrations during earthquakes, resulting in greater resistance to strong shaking. In addition, large-scale devices called active mass dampers help limit swaying at the top of the building during strong winds," Mori said.

All electricity for the building comes from renewable energy sources, with heat energy harvested from the sewer system. The building also stores and treats rainwater for watering the greenery, while wastewater from residential units is collected and used in the bathrooms of the office floors.

An Khang (According to New Atlas )

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