I wish Brazil could build things with this speed.... Everything here takes years to be completed.

http://img845.imageshack.us/img845/7820/1306839844.jpg

http://img827.imageshack.us/img827/9647/1306839956.jpg
http://blog.ap.teacup.com/abeno300/

http://kenplatz.nikkeibp.co.jp/article/building/news/20110601/547744/

http://kenplatz.nikkeibp.co.jp/article/building/news/20110601/547744/1.jpg

http://kenplatz.nikkeibp.co.jp/article/building/news/20110601/547744/2.jpg

http://kenplatz.nikkeibp.co.jp/article/building/news/20110601/547744/3.jpg

http://kenplatz.nikkeibp.co.jp/article/building/news/20110601/547744/4.jpg

http://kenplatz.nikkeibp.co.jp/article/building/news/20110601/547744/5.jpg

http://kenplatz.nikkeibp.co.jp/article/building/news/20110601/547744/6.jpg

http://kenplatz.nikkeibp.co.jp/article/building/news/20110601/547744/7.jpg

http://kenplatz.nikkeibp.co.jp/article/building/news/20110601/547744/8.jpg

06/04

http://img820.imageshack.us/img820/9820/img739582.jpg

http://img683.imageshack.us/img683/3753/img739585.jpg

http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/7609/img739602.jpg

http://img857.imageshack.us/img857/7055/img739606.jpg

http://img31.imageshack.us/img31/8193/img739629.jpg

http://img571.imageshack.us/img571/8721/img739633.jpg

http://img96.imageshack.us/img96/4699/img739658.jpg

http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/2228/img739685.jpg
http://chaos08.blog17.fc2.com/

06/10

http://img828.imageshack.us/img828/2750/kintetsu1106101.jpg

http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/4192/kintetsu1106102.jpg

http://img864.imageshack.us/img864/2199/kintetsu1106105.jpg

http://img841.imageshack.us/img841/1130/kintetsu1106106.jpg
http://building-pc.cocolog-nifty.com/map/

06/17

16th floor, 80m

http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/9346/kintetsu11061712.jpg

http://img560.imageshack.us/img560/9858/kintetsu1106176.jpg

http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/5462/kintetsu1106177.jpg

http://img849.imageshack.us/img849/2042/kintetsu1106179.jpg
http://building-pc.cocolog-nifty.com/map/

06/21

http://img862.imageshack.us/img862/8938/021mw.jpg

http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/5415/021m1.jpg
http://osaka-salon2.seesaa.net/

http://kenplatz.nikkeibp.co.jp/article/building/news/20110601/547744/7.jpg

LOL, what is this supposed to be?

I believe it shows structures responsible for anti-earthquake protection. It's all the diagonal beams we can see on the photo updates, that I think are responsible for this (in regular towers we usually see just vertical and horizontal beams). It really must be a lot more complicated to design, and more expensive to build the tower in japan, thats why I find this project very interesting especially since its the first supertall buidling for this country.

Why is this thing u/c in the middle of "nowhere" ?

Osaka has already a cluster.

so its name is terminal building, has it anything to do with the airport, or is it near it?

Apparently there will be a train station in this building and thats whats the name is reffering to.

Terminal indeed refers to a train station. The Osaka Abenobashi Station is the Osaka terminal for the Kintetsu Minami-Osaka Line. The Kintetsu Corporation owns the line and the building on top of the station. The tower replaces the old front part of the old terminal building, the Kintetsu Department Store. The actual station is located under the old part of the building that hasn't been demolished and will be functioning as a station and a department store during the construction. When it's completed the lower floors of the new tower will be linked with the old building to form 1 big store again. The station will remain on the current location, this means that there won't be a station under the tower.

This answers partly also this question.
Why is this thing u/c in the middle of "nowhere" ?

Osaka has already a cluster.
It's the Kintetsu Cooperation that is developing this tower. Since this is their main station and department store they decided to create something huge on this location and not somewhere in the established areas. It's also located just outside of the area that is affected by the height restrictions that are in place around Osaka Airport that limits the height of the towers in the center of town.

And it will likely remain a lonely tower, it will only be accompanied by a few almost 100m high residential towers in the neighborhood that are under construction right now. But I don't see any other tall developments in the neighborhood anytime soon.

nice progress

Thanks for the info, Momo. I love how quickly things go up in Japan. Seems like only a few months ago, there was absolutely nothing in the place where the Tokyo Sky Tree now stands.

Go Osaka! But I'm hoping Tokyo gets more tall buildings, too!

It usually takes ages before the construction actually starts, then it takes ages until it comes above ground. But when it comes up it indeed goes very fast.


update:

http://i55.tinypic.com/1zq8xnn.jpg
http://blog.osakanight.com/

And it will likely remain a lonely tower, it will only be accompanied by a few almost 100m high residential towers in the neighborhood that are under construction right now.

And it's not really a problem imao!

I'm not telling that to you Momo, but to everybody wondering why it's not build in a "cluster"
These issues in urban composition where the skyscrapers should be packed in one area (the tallest in the middle and then gradually decreasing toward the periphery of course :p) are boring.
Though I'm not telling this is bad to have clusters (connected with mass transit systems)

Just let the city develop its own way, according to its inhabitants initiatives, either public, private, simple citizens, investors etc.

updates

06/24

http://img585.imageshack.us/img585/8815/kintetsu1106241.jpg

http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/7898/kintetsu1106243.jpg

http://img684.imageshack.us/img684/8642/kintetsu1106244.jpg

http://img593.imageshack.us/img593/4783/kintetsu1106245.jpg

http://img191.imageshack.us/img191/9940/kintetsu1106247.jpg

http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/6792/kintetsu1106249.jpg
http://building-pc.cocolog-nifty.com/map/


06/27

http://img832.imageshack.us/img832/863/020ad529.jpg

http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/9400/042m2.jpg

http://img546.imageshack.us/img546/5980/05064715.jpg
http://osaka-salon2.seesaa.net/

06/30

http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/1015/kintetsu1106301.jpg

http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/759/kintetsu1106302.jpg

http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/3268/kintetsu1106306.jpg

http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/7093/kintetsu1106308.jpg

http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/1371/kintetsu1106309.jpg
http://building-pc.cocolog-nifty.com/map/

The design is nice and seams to be well integrated into the existing structure. I like the skhygardens on top also.

BTW, that Louis Vutton billboard shown on post 266, looks so randomly located. :D

It's not as random if you know that it's the part of town where all the luxury brand flagship stores are. :)

Well, that's why I said 'looks' not 'is' :cheers:

07/05

http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/9885/00200bb5.jpg
http://osaka-salon2.seesaa.net/


The hotel in the tower will be the Marriot

JLLH advises Kintetsu on negotiations with Marriott

TOKYO– Kintetsu Hotel Systems, Inc. today announced that they reached a franchise agreement with Marriott International (“Marriott”) for a new Hotel to be located in the Abenobashi Terminal Building in Osaka. Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels is pleased to have successfully assisted and advised Kintetsu Hotel Systems on the contract negotiations with Marriott.

The luxury hotel, scheduled to open in spring of 2014, will be a co-branded hotel with Marriott and Miyako Hotel (hotel brand of the Kintetsu Hotel Systems), and will be known as “Osaka Marriott Miyako Hotel.” A landmark development, the Abenobashi Terminal Building when completed will be the tallest building in Osaka, as well as the tallest building in Japan. The development, a mix use of hotel, department store, office, leisure and art is aimed to be a cutting edge hub for business and a centre for entertainment, leisure and arts. Built on the Osaka Abenobashi terminal, it will also provide direct transportation links to Kansai International Airport.

full article:
http://www.hotelnewsnow.com/Articles.aspx/5904/JLLH-advises-Kintetsu-on-negotiations-with-Marriott

It's not as random if you know that it's the part of town where all the luxury brand flagship stores are. :)

Wow, really? The district doesn't look that exclusive to me at all... but I suppose this is a common-day fact in Japan - it's tiny everywhere. :lol:

You know what they say, bigger isn't always better. :cheers:

You know what they say, bigger isn't always better. :cheers:
Especially when you are building in a seismic zone. I'm impressed at how tall they are willing to build this. I know the Tokyo Sky Tree is much taller, but it isn't an office building. Heck, even that tower in Yokohama that is a bit shorter than this is still impressive.

07/07

http://img593.imageshack.us/img593/5994/kintetsu1107071.jpg

http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/5477/kintetsu1107072.jpg

A scaffolding structure has been put up on the old building.

http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/4481/kintetsu1107073.jpg

This is because at this height of the tower 1 tall floor sticks out over the old building.

http://img715.imageshack.us/img715/1036/kintetsu1106305.jpg

http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/2998/kintetsu1107075.jpg

http://img705.imageshack.us/img705/5457/kintetsu1107076.jpg
http://building-pc.cocolog-nifty.com/map/

Remember the new pedestrian bridge over the roads, the first pieces are now being installed.

http://img34.imageshack.us/img34/718/abeno1107071.jpg

http://img840.imageshack.us/img840/7439/abeno1107072.jpg
http://building-pc.cocolog-nifty.com/map/

http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/5341/20080207162724.jpg

07/14

http://img191.imageshack.us/img191/1460/kintetsu1107141.jpg

http://img854.imageshack.us/img854/8310/kintetsu1107142.jpg

http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/1815/kintetsu1107144.jpg

http://img708.imageshack.us/img708/7566/kintetsu1107145.jpg

http://img543.imageshack.us/img543/1207/kintetsu1107146.jpg

http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/3235/kintetsu1107147.jpg

http://img62.imageshack.us/img62/6765/kintetsu1107148.jpg
http://urbanreallife.blog52.fc2.com/

07/21

Just under 100m

http://img28.imageshack.us/img28/2973/kintetsu1107211.jpg

http://img824.imageshack.us/img824/8928/kintetsu1107212.jpg

http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/2456/kintetsu1107213.jpg

http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/6809/kintetsu1107214.jpg

http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/5108/kintetsu1107215.jpg

http://img835.imageshack.us/img835/1262/kintetsu1107217.jpg

http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/2351/kintetsu1107218.jpg

http://img32.imageshack.us/img32/5643/kintetsu1107219.jpg

http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/9392/kintetsu11072110.jpg
http://building-pc.cocolog-nifty.com/map/

Great progress as always.

These pictures were taken a couple of weeks ago from the east, somewhere in Nara prefecture.


The first picture shows the project together with Osaka's current tallest tower the Osaka World Trade Center (252.1m). That one is even located further out of the city center.

http://img191.imageshack.us/img191/4959/0499ddd3.jpg


The second picture show the gap in the skyline that this tower will make even more clear.

http://img808.imageshack.us/img808/6514/04229bf0.jpg
http://osaka-salon2.seesaa.net

07/25

http://img836.imageshack.us/img836/7362/01324da2.jpg

http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/4236/0156f247.jpg
http://osaka-salon2.seesaa.net/

07/29

http://img854.imageshack.us/img854/9374/kintetsu1107291.jpg

http://img717.imageshack.us/img717/1420/kintetsu1107292.jpg

http://img691.imageshack.us/img691/9850/kintetsu1107293.jpg

http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/7885/kintetsu1107295.jpg

http://img691.imageshack.us/img691/9448/kintetsu1107296.jpg
http://building-pc.cocolog-nifty.com/map/

08/10

http://img600.imageshack.us/img600/4866/027d59b2.jpg

http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/1908/0243d051.jpg

http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/5752/02547b7c.jpg

http://img594.imageshack.us/img594/3351/0268c304.jpg

http://img641.imageshack.us/img641/3387/034c119d.jpg

http://img803.imageshack.us/img803/5497/04389d8b.jpg
http://osaka-salon2.seesaa.net/

08/13

http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/5885/img743019.jpg

http://img841.imageshack.us/img841/3996/img743021.jpg

http://img823.imageshack.us/img823/648/img743027.jpg

http://img32.imageshack.us/img32/5298/img743055.jpg

http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/5756/img743074.jpg

http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/76/img743080.jpg

http://img805.imageshack.us/img805/618/img743084.jpg
http://chaos08.blog17.fc2.com/

08/15

http://img42.imageshack.us/img42/4158/kita11081519.jpg
http://building-pc.cocolog-nifty.com/map/

The tower has been named:

http://img705.imageshack.us/img705/413/20110825160736de0.jpg

Abeno Harukas あべのハルカス

http://img829.imageshack.us/img829/1614/indeximg01.gif


Official website (English version):
http://www.abenoharukas-300.com/en/


OSAKA | Abeno Harukas | 300m | 984ft | 59 fl | U/C

Update:

http://img202.imageshack.us/img202/7126/img048320110825161548.jpg

http://img35.imageshack.us/img35/3951/img0400rt.jpg
http://saitoshika.blog119.fc2.com/

08/26

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6088/6081553820_b722e81c83_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gorimon/6081553820/)
110826_137b (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gorimon/6081553820/) by GORIMON (http://www.flickr.com/people/gorimon/), on Flickr

More 08/26

http://img202.imageshack.us/img202/8703/kintetsu1108261.jpg

http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/6634/kintetsu1108264.jpg

http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/6884/kintetsu1108265.jpg

http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/2852/kintetsu11082672.jpg

http://img685.imageshack.us/img685/8374/kintetsu1108268.jpg
http://building-pc.cocolog-nifty.com/map/

08/28

http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/1269/img743495.jpg

http://img703.imageshack.us/img703/5652/img743499.jpg

http://img847.imageshack.us/img847/7809/img743510.jpg

http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/395/img743537.jpg

http://img31.imageshack.us/img31/6472/img743580.jpg

http://img109.imageshack.us/img109/5686/img743601.jpg
http://chaos08.blog17.fc2.com/

I went to Osaka to see it for myself.

09/13

http://img830.imageshack.us/img830/3971/img7300h.jpg

http://img197.imageshack.us/img197/5757/img7303k.jpg

http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/719/img7305sg.jpg

http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/2868/img7306d.jpg

http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/7369/img7309n.jpg

http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/5214/img7312w.jpg

http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/5946/img7314y.jpg

great japan

^^

From today
http://i51.tinypic.com/14mh0ko.jpg

10/07

126m

http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/3962/kintetsu1110071.jpg

http://img249.imageshack.us/img249/843/kintetsu1110072.jpg

http://img534.imageshack.us/img534/2743/kintetsu1110073.jpg

http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/6282/kintetsu1110075.jpg

http://img600.imageshack.us/img600/7914/kintetsu11100711.jpg

http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/1589/kintetsu11100712.jpg

http://img847.imageshack.us/img847/5335/kintetsu11100714.jpg
http://building-pc.cocolog-nifty.com/map/

Can someone post the final render of this one? Thanks.

Will this be Japan's first Supertall? Congratulations... :)

I would certainly expect more to come...

I bet this will be the most well-built building in the world, able to withstand anything, just like the quality of any Japanese product/development.

Can someone post the final render of this one? Thanks.
It's in the first post of this thread.

And it's indeed the 1st Japanese supertall.

Will there be more?

There are currently no known plans for any other, there was one for Tokyo but it was cancelled. I don't think any other will be completed before the end of this decade.

interesting crane

10/17 blog update

135m

http://img690.imageshack.us/img690/8391/kintetsu1110171.jpg

http://img511.imageshack.us/img511/8972/kintetsu1110172.jpg

http://img810.imageshack.us/img810/1481/kintetsu1110173.jpg

http://img696.imageshack.us/img696/1476/kintetsu1110177.jpg

http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/2276/kintetsu1110178.jpg

http://img594.imageshack.us/img594/2427/kintetsu1110179.jpg

http://img442.imageshack.us/img442/5838/kintetsu11101711.jpg
http://building-pc.cocolog-nifty.com/map/

It's impressive how Japan and many other developed countries build with such speed their buildings. Just for comparison, here in Brazil, we don't have many highrises, in my city there is none and we take more than 2 or 3 years to lift up 20~30 floors.

That's the difference (one of them) that defines a real compromised country.

^^I think mayb that's part of it, but there are many other factors involved in urban development. Don't worry, I'm sure by mid-century there will be dozens of skyscrapers in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.

Don't worry, I'm sure by mid-century there will be dozens of skyscrapers in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.

:lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol: :cheers:

:D:D

10/24 blog update

http://img831.imageshack.us/img831/8595/kintetsu1110241.jpg

http://img716.imageshack.us/img716/6145/kintetsu1110242.jpg

http://img28.imageshack.us/img28/7827/kintetsu1110243.jpg

http://img252.imageshack.us/img252/5523/kintetsu1110246.jpg

http://img254.imageshack.us/img254/267/kintetsu1110247.jpg
http://building-pc.cocolog-nifty.com/map/

^^

10/28

http://img819.imageshack.us/img819/5200/c74a9d8c.jpg

http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/74/c4175002.jpg

http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/2550/e3852e79.jpg

http://img593.imageshack.us/img593/4306/e3999dc48d6f.jpg
http://bluestyle.livedoor.biz/

300m but why only 59 floors?

300m but why only 59 floors?
It makes sense. In Japan, the average height of an office floor is much taller. If it was residantial it could have had 80 floors. So you see the difference.

WTF is that thing in the background?
http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/2550/e3852e79.jpg

i like thix tower and i would also like to know what that is in the background

I already expected this question.


The tower is called "Dai Heiwa Kinen To" (大平和祈念塔) or short "PL Tower".
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dai_Heiwa_Kinen_T%C5%8D


This 180m tall tower was built in 1970 by the "Church of Perfect Liberty" in as a prayer tower to remember all war victims in history.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2162/2098681714_1986412fe8_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mozu/2098681714/)
大平和祈念塔 / PL Tower (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mozu/2098681714/) by mozgram (http://www.flickr.com/people/mozu/), on Flickr


@Skymaster
In Tokyo there's a 200m skyscraper U/C with just 33 floors, high floors are one of the trends in new Japanese office construction. If the hotel wasn't part of the plan it would even have less floors.

Oh that thing is definitely different! It's weird that this tower is even not famous at all???!!!
I would like to visit that if I'm in Osaka, but it looks quite outside of the city though.

I understand that having a high ceiling height makes for a more pleasant environment to work in.

Looks like something from Gaudi...

update

http://img715.imageshack.us/img715/5514/img4467uy.jpg

http://img252.imageshack.us/img252/8708/img4471q.jpg

http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/4188/img4473x.jpg

http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/6473/img482820111105214947.jpg

http://img855.imageshack.us/img855/5799/img4837l.jpg

http://img710.imageshack.us/img710/2908/img4838r.jpg
http://saitoshika.blog119.fc2.com/


11/03

http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/1885/0048984f.jpg

http://img59.imageshack.us/img59/4284/00846209.jpg

http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/1360/01014210.jpg
http://osaka-salon2.seesaa.net/

11/07

http://img810.imageshack.us/img810/1866/kintetsu1111071.jpg

http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/4053/kintetsu1111073.jpg

http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/128/kintetsu1111075.jpg

http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/1058/kintetsu1111076.jpg

http://img202.imageshack.us/img202/8938/kintetsu1111077.jpg

http://img32.imageshack.us/img32/1169/kintetsu1111079.jpg

http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/5041/kintetsu111107112.jpg

http://img64.imageshack.us/img64/669/kintetsu11110712.jpg
http://building-pc.cocolog-nifty.com/

Huge! Beautiful structure

yes it's starting to dominate the sky around it go go go :cheers:

11/12

http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/3382/img750749.jpg

http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/4594/img750752.jpg

http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/4262/img750761.jpg

http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/1862/img750770.jpg

http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/4735/img750780.jpg

http://img580.imageshack.us/img580/4305/img750799.jpg

http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/4936/img750804xm.jpg

http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/8154/img750810.jpg
http://chaos08.blog17.fc2.com/

http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/2550/e3852e79.jpg


PL Kyodan vs Zoroastrianism

11/18

153m halfway

http://img830.imageshack.us/img830/5219/kintetsu1111181.jpg

http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/7764/kintetsu1111182.jpg

http://img821.imageshack.us/img821/4624/kintetsu1111183.jpg

http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/5949/kintetsu1111184.jpg

http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/2710/kintetsu1111185.jpg

http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/741/kintetsu1111188.jpg

http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/3347/kintetsu1111189.jpg
http://building-pc.cocolog-nifty.com/map/

11/20

http://img811.imageshack.us/img811/1010/006dedac.jpg

http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/4062/020a75b2.jpg

http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/8001/0223f9e4.jpg
http://osaka-salon2.seesaa.net/

11/25

http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/2549/00298541.jpg

http://img707.imageshack.us/img707/584/0042i.jpg

http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/7570/015648b8.jpg

http://img855.imageshack.us/img855/811/017fe9aa.jpg

http://img834.imageshack.us/img834/922/0196275a.jpg
http://osaka-salon2.seesaa.net/

11/28

http://img812.imageshack.us/img812/1462/kintetsu1111281.jpg

http://img845.imageshack.us/img845/8554/kintetsu1111282.jpg

http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/7162/kintetsu1111284.jpg

http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/6338/kintetsu1111285.jpg

http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/4491/kintetsu1111287.jpg

http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/1701/kintetsu11112882.jpg

http://img703.imageshack.us/img703/69/kintetsu11112810.jpg

http://img822.imageshack.us/img822/5889/kintetsu11112811.jpg

http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/5413/qabeno1111281.jpg
http://building-pc.cocolog-nifty.com/map/

very nice; good progress on this tower next to JR Tennoji Station, the tallest tower in Japan

http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/5413/qabeno1111281.jpg

Interesting footbridge:)

12/04

http://img812.imageshack.us/img812/2367/img752030.jpg

http://img546.imageshack.us/img546/1269/img752032.jpg

http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/11/img752055.jpg

http://img534.imageshack.us/img534/6747/img752064.jpg

http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/9439/img752082.jpg

http://img811.imageshack.us/img811/8395/img752083.jpg

http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/4191/img752126.jpg

http://img64.imageshack.us/img64/97/img752131.jpg

http://img841.imageshack.us/img841/4004/img752065.jpg
http://chaos08.blog17.fc2.com/

12/07

http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/1199/015e8f31rgj.jpg

http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/9974/01602cbc.jpg

http://img28.imageshack.us/img28/9505/0199fa20.jpg

http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/4533/02318cad.jpg
http://osaka-salon2.seesaa.net/


12/09

http://img41.imageshack.us/img41/7291/kintetsu1112091.jpg

http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/6033/kintetsu1112093.jpg

http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/6474/kintetsu1112095.jpg

http://img713.imageshack.us/img713/1161/kintetsu11120910.jpg

http://img824.imageshack.us/img824/9171/kintetsu11120911.jpg
http://building-pc.cocolog-nifty.com/map/

http://i.imgur.com/5SvME.jpg
http://osaka-salon2.seesaa.net/

wow this gonna be very massive. has anyone actual renders?

^^ 1st page.

these i have already seen but i have the feeling that the shape is a little bit different to the posted photos

Should be the first supertall for japan or not?

Why is it being clad so that it looks like it was built in the 1980's?

That facade is horrible!

My advise for Japanese projects, wait until the end result when everything that has been covered by nets or the covers on the inside of the windows have been taken down. It can make quite a difference.

If then it still look like the 1980's.... well, let's say it's Japan... things like this happen more often then you would expect.

Should be the first supertall for japan or not?
It will be indeed.

these i have already seen but i have the feeling that the shape is a little bit different to the posted photos
For now you are right, but there's still more work to be done on the lower part of the tower.

If you compare this render...

http://www.neox.to/abeno/abeno_1.jpg

...to this picture...

http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/6033/kintetsu1112093.jpg

.... you see that the curtain wall is missing on the part that still has to come up. It will be like a glass tower going up to 1/3 of the tower, it's not part of the structural frame of the tower. It will just have some "floating floors" with trees on them.


As for the clad, come back a bit later when there aren't any netting any

Why is it being clad so that it looks like it was built in the 1980's?

That facade is horrible!

This is ignorance and generalisation. What do you mean with like from the 80's? Maybe HSBC?

http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4002/4340334373_49d5d0e49c_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rolandorodriguezleal/4340334373/)
HSBC Building by Norman Foster (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rolandorodriguezleal/4340334373/) by rolight (http://www.flickr.com/people/rolandorodriguezleal/), on Flickr

That Facade does not really look like an 80's one.

Blog update

http://img824.imageshack.us/img824/7537/img1532zk.jpg

http://img833.imageshack.us/img833/3263/img157520111219230440.jpg

http://img820.imageshack.us/img820/1625/img1578eg.jpg

http://img850.imageshack.us/img850/4294/img1583j.jpg

http://img827.imageshack.us/img827/6352/img1586m.jpg

http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/2741/img1635sf.jpg
http://saitoshika.blog119.fc2.com/

Out of curiosity, why did it took Japan so long to finally build a supertall skyscraper? -excluding the Sky tree-

...........Earthquakes............

Out of curiosity, why did it took Japan so long to finally build a supertall skyscraper? -excluding the Sky tree-

right japan is slow. even rockbongy took 15 years for completion.
But japan are perfect.

Who wants to be so high in an active earthquake zone like this?

Out of curiosity, why did it took Japan so long to finally build a supertall skyscraper? -excluding the Sky tree-
During the post war economic rush it wasn't technically possible with the building codes in Japan. Only after the real estate bubble broke in the early 1990s it became possible to go supertall, but then then the economy became the main factor why a supertall didn't came about until now. Developments became more conservative, focusing more on the demands from the market rather then city marketing.

But there are more reasons:
- earthquakes, building supertall is of course possible in an earthquake prone area but it doesn't make it easier.
- the CBD locations in Tokyo and Osaka have height restrictions because of aviation laws. (for this tower the area with these restriction was redrawn to make it possible to go to 300m)
- The big Japanese companies prefer their own building instead of sharing it with other companies.
- Just plane economics. Going taller means more cost to build and maintain, smaller buildings just generate bigger profits, especially with the thickness of Japanese office buildings and the earthquakes.
- No need to show of, Japan doesn't have to proof to the world that it's a modern country.

In other words there are a bunch of reasons, but it's mostly economics. In this case it's a railway company that wants to show off a bit, if it was developed by a proper project developer it wouldn't be as tall.

update

12/19

http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/9756/kintetsu1112191.jpg

http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/6426/kintetsu1112192.jpg

http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/363/kintetsu1112194.jpg

http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/9472/kintetsu11121911.jpg

The pedestrian bridge is also progressing nicely.

http://img31.imageshack.us/img31/2360/abeno1112191.jpg
http://building-pc.cocolog-nifty.com/map/

12/25

http://img542.imageshack.us/img542/747/000cc531.jpg

http://img40.imageshack.us/img40/4632/0012d5d5.jpg

http://img64.imageshack.us/img64/5265/003a710a.jpg
http://osaka-salon2.seesaa.net/

http://img31.imageshack.us/img31/2360/abeno1112191.jpg


Unique Footbridge

Who wants to be so high in an active earthquake zone like this?

Not to sound mean; but that sounds really off considering Japan has quite a few Nuclear Power Plants.

I hope the Tennoji/Abeno area will see a high rise construction boom after completing this tower. All the office buildings are concentrated in kyobashi and umeda, this tower will definitely bring a different and new perspective to Tennoji.

12/29

171m

http://img846.imageshack.us/img846/8326/kintetsu1112291.jpg

http://img546.imageshack.us/img546/4429/kintetsu1112292.jpg

http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/2354/kintetsu1112293.jpg

http://img705.imageshack.us/img705/185/kintetsu1112294.jpg

http://img249.imageshack.us/img249/192/kintetsu1112295.jpg

http://img833.imageshack.us/img833/1245/kintetsu1112296.jpg

http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/7621/kintetsu1112298.jpg

http://img839.imageshack.us/img839/2562/kintetsu11122910.jpg
http://building-pc.cocolog-nifty.com/map/

12/31

http://img857.imageshack.us/img857/5142/00244940.jpg

http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/3640/00350336.jpg

http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/6067/004kqp.jpg

http://img859.imageshack.us/img859/3654/013f795f.jpg
http://osaka-salon2.seesaa.net/

First update of 2012
02/01
The tower reached the 35th floor now.

http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g436/kimiwind1184/026-64113.jpg

http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g436/kimiwind1184/029-ba6bb-1.jpg

http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g436/kimiwind1184/025-a7282.jpg
http://osaka-salon2.seesaa.net/

I hope the Tennoji/Abeno area will see a high rise construction boom after completing this tower. All the office buildings are concentrated in kyobashi and umeda, this tower will definitely bring a different and new perspective to Tennoji.

Is the Osaka metro area still urbanizing enough to justify construction like that?

Yes! But I'm not 100% if this would apply in the soon future. That depends on how this project will turn out.

That's one ultra-tidy construction site.

i really love this building!10/10 from malaysia!

progress is going well :cheers:

i really love this building!10/10 from malaysia!
Thank you :). Wait one year from now and you'll see the real beauty yet ^_^.

Looks like it is making good progress. I only wish they would have build it in Umeda instead of in Abenobashi.

More from 02/01

http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/1809/img753343.jpg

http://img827.imageshack.us/img827/373/img753344.jpg

http://img109.imageshack.us/img109/2482/img753366.jpg

http://img824.imageshack.us/img824/8716/img753372.jpg

http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/4140/img753468.jpg

http://img835.imageshack.us/img835/3677/img753469.jpg

http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/596/img753536.jpg

http://img33.imageshack.us/img33/1740/img753555.jpg

http://img715.imageshack.us/img715/1500/img753574.jpg
http://chaos08.blog17.fc2.com/

01/12

181m

http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/6268/kintetsu1201121.jpg

http://img807.imageshack.us/img807/1786/kintetsu1201122.jpg

http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/7442/kintetsu1201123.jpg

http://img576.imageshack.us/img576/3135/kintetsu1201124.jpg

http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/4862/kintetsu1201125.jpg

http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/9779/kintetsu1201126.jpg

http://img254.imageshack.us/img254/9030/kintetsu1201127.jpg

http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/4364/kintetsu1201129.jpg

http://img198.imageshack.us/img198/8260/kintetsu12011213.jpg
http://building-pc.cocolog-nifty.com/map/

Good update. In 2 months from now it will reach 200 Meters ;).

01/22

http://img839.imageshack.us/img839/3564/0016ddf1.jpg

http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/5023/002645b3.jpg

http://img860.imageshack.us/img860/205/004a1869.jpg

http://img837.imageshack.us/img837/4881/005c50f8.jpg
http://osaka-salon2.seesaa.net/

progressing well :cheers:

http://img40.imageshack.us/img40/6939/abenoharukas20120101.jpg

http://img534.imageshack.us/img534/9158/abenoharukas20120102.jpg

http://img688.imageshack.us/img688/3964/abenoharukas20120103.jpg

http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/4866/abenoharukas20120105.jpg
http://blog.osakanight.com/

So if the cranes structures are within the building how will they be removed ?

I can understand how multi crane systems are pulled down when they are on the outside of a building but what about when they're inside ?

Tony

So if the cranes structures are within the building how will they be removed ?

I can understand how multi crane systems are pulled down when they are on the outside of a building but what about when they're inside ?

Tony
First cranes will remove each other. When only one crane remains on the building, workers will install a small crane and with its help they remove the big one. After all a small crane will be removed by workers and lowered on the elevators to the ground.

Here the example:



And as for today,

The last crane that was lifted up was finally put together today.

http://img694.imageshack.us/img694/1855/1110260028.jpg

http://img829.imageshack.us/img829/3027/1110260029.jpg

http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/2205/1110260030.jpg
http://tokyo2ndtower.cocolog-nifty.com/blog/


videos

0Z_Mbglf9ds

fb9m-qz_Inc

10/27

-Zfj47flLs0


10/28

C_nWudl7ey0


And the last tower crane is gone. Now we have to wait until the small crane is taken down.

And 1 picture from 10/27 that clearly shows all the antenna's that have been installed the last few weeks.

http://img707.imageshack.us/img707/6519/o0800106711574548820.jpg
http://ameblo.jp/tokyo-skytree-blog/

+ dismantled small crane:

11/01 blog round-up

The last crane, number 7 was taken down today. The pictures make it very clear how that was done. All the little pieces of the crane were small enough for the elevator.

http://img39.imageshack.us/img39/2913/o0800060011583695771h.jpg

http://img254.imageshack.us/img254/3775/o0800060011583695788.jpg

http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/884/o0800060011585312926.jpg

^^ thanks silent soul!!

http://img534.imageshack.us/img534/9158/abenoharukas20120102.jpg



Is that a zoo in the vicinity ?, it looks to me like a bird cage

That's indeed the Tennoji Zoo.

First cranes will remove each other. When only one crane remains on the building, workers will install a small crane and with its help they remove the big one. After all a small crane will be removed by workers and lowered on the elevators to the ground.



Thanks for the reply ! Very much appreciated :)

Tony

Thanks for the reply ! Very much appreciated :)

Tony
You are welcome!! :)

By the way, what is the name of these big cranes? (company-producer?)

^^ JCC IHI cranes. I like these cranes, because they are very quakeproof!
I suppose there are one JCC 900HP and probably two JCC V900 cranes
(see http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=781884&page=9)

You can read more about these cranes here: http://rogiken.org/heavy/ccs/index.html

Bohdan Astro, thank you very much!

How tall is it now?

The last official height update, dated last thursday (01/26) was 193m.

02/03

http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/4527/kintetsu1202031.jpg

http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/1001/kintetsu1202032.jpg

http://img830.imageshack.us/img830/3849/kintetsu1202034.jpg

http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/3590/kintetsu1202038psfehf.jpg

http://img96.imageshack.us/img96/7645/kintetsu12020312.jpg

http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/2562/kintetsu12020315.jpg
http://building-pc.cocolog-nifty.com/map/

02/17

http://i.imgur.com/p43ap.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/bU0o8.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/Cc1he.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/UKADq.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/35uwx.jpg
http://building-pc.cocolog-nifty.com/map/


Ans some interesting pictures from last week.


http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7182/6859297831_e2d73a93af_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gorimon/6859297831/)
120211_032 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gorimon/6859297831/) by GORIMON (http://www.flickr.com/people/gorimon/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7197/6859307571_135d204a7c_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gorimon/6859307571/)
120211_078 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gorimon/6859307571/) by GORIMON (http://www.flickr.com/people/gorimon/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7049/6866142437_a536efacb7_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gorimon/6866142437/)
120211_024b (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gorimon/6866142437/) by GORIMON (http://www.flickr.com/people/gorimon/), on Flickr

Almost to break the 200 meters now. As it rises, I like it even more and more.
Great photos.

Wonderful building, and great photos.
Thank you!

02/20

http://i.imgur.com/rZf0i.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/EQrk0.jpg
http://osaka-salon2.seesaa.net/

02/10

x_Mz2nK9QOg

02/28

It still hasn't passed the 200m mark. But since there will be a setback it takes a bit more time to continue. The cranes have been rearranged now and it should grow again soon.

http://i.imgur.com/8hjYA.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/Pr0Og.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/x7eGq.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/h2uJE.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/GOekg.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/Nio31.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/coygA.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/bHZwZ.jpg
http://building-pc.cocolog-nifty.com/map/

the best group in the world come from Osaka,Japan. Shonen Knife started out as the Osaka Ramones,doing covers of the punk rock band Ramones.
You Osakans are so lucky! I have to wait every year or so to see them come to America. Ok,I know I'm off topic a bit but....I love music and tall buildings.......so I want to see shonen knife play on top of this building.:lol:

the best group in the world come from Osaka,Japan. Shonen Knife started out as the Osaka Ramones,doing covers of the punk rock band Ramones.
You Osakans are so lucky! I have to wait every year or so to see them come to America. Ok,I know I'm off topic a bit but....I love music and tall buildings.......so I want to see shonen knife play on top of this building.:lol:

Hahaha! Hilarious :lol:

03/4

http://i566.photobucket.com/albums/ss106/AhoChaudeJP/Construction%20in%20JP/IMG7_54124.jpg

http://i566.photobucket.com/albums/ss106/AhoChaudeJP/Construction%20in%20JP/IMG7_54070.jpg

http://i566.photobucket.com/albums/ss106/AhoChaudeJP/Construction%20in%20JP/IMG7_54071.jpg

http://i566.photobucket.com/albums/ss106/AhoChaudeJP/Construction%20in%20JP/IMG7_54085.jpg

http://i566.photobucket.com/albums/ss106/AhoChaudeJP/Construction%20in%20JP/IMG7_54092.jpg

http://i566.photobucket.com/albums/ss106/AhoChaudeJP/Construction%20in%20JP/IMG7_54098.jpg

http://i566.photobucket.com/albums/ss106/AhoChaudeJP/Construction%20in%20JP/IMG7_54103.jpg

http://i566.photobucket.com/albums/ss106/AhoChaudeJP/Construction%20in%20JP/IMG7_54107.jpg

http://i566.photobucket.com/albums/ss106/AhoChaudeJP/Construction%20in%20JP/IMG7_54109.jpg

http://i566.photobucket.com/albums/ss106/AhoChaudeJP/Construction%20in%20JP/IMG7_54112.jpg

http://i566.photobucket.com/albums/ss106/AhoChaudeJP/Construction%20in%20JP/IMG7_54115.jpg

http://chaos08.blog17.fc2.com/blog-entry-773.html

^^I looovvveee the contrast in architecture!

03/10 & 03/11

http://i.imgur.com/jOcWO.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/AksAP.jpg


http://i.imgur.com/gmjsv.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/0nYDB.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/um6rA.jpg
http://osaka-salon2.seesaa.net/


03/10

http://i.imgur.com/VKNsl.jpg
http://chaos08.blog17.fc2.com/

03/08

http://i.imgur.com/2SMfg.jpg
http://chaos08.blog17.fc2.com/

03/19

206m

http://i.imgur.com/CjkE8.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/BcBzW.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/5TWVH.jpg
http://osaka-salon2.seesaa.net/

Newspaper add

http://i.imgur.com/hNfUP.jpg
http://osaka-salon2.seesaa.net/

The third and last portion here we go :). The last 100 meters and it will top out :nuts:.
Abeno/Tennoji will change forever with this sweet addition.

looks so massive now :)

Yes really massive structure :)

http://i.imgur.com/CjkE8.jpg


Is that the parking in that section?

^^ Nope, this will be the department store.


night update

http://i.imgur.com/yBdda.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/mfxZ1.jpg
http://blog.osakanight.com/

wonderful picture. This tower will make a HUGE presence for the city and being the tallest in the country, hopefully will elevate Osaka's status a bit.

I love Osaka and can't wait to return!

Momo1435,they are great pics.

Abeno Harukas is a massive boy :)

03/22

http://i.imgur.com/GpcxE.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/6A1Zd.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/1r5JD.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/QsYUZ.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/DPSs4.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/iPLdw.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/eVY3m.jpg
http://building-pc.cocolog-nifty.com/map/


03/20

http://i.imgur.com/CcG0R.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/0MbeW.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/QJ3G3.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/iTJZ6.jpg
http://chaos08.blog17.fc2.com/

03/29

http://i.imgbox.com/aavKhAHk.jpg

http://i.imgbox.com/aat1k8gP.jpg

http://i.imgbox.com/aaovDytA.jpg


In true Japanese style Abano Harukas will go on sale in the Kintetsu Osaka Abenobashi Station right next to the station (the tower is part of the station/department store complex).
http://www.abenoharukas-300.com/news/0326eriaPRguzzu.pdf

There are a drinking cup, some boxed snacks, a clear file, a special can of Takara Chu-Hi (lemon flavored alcoholic drink).

http://i.imgbox.com/aafEhtLJ.jpg

in the station there's also a model of the tower and the surrounding area.

http://i.imgbox.com/aamtj9C2.jpg

04/04

http://i.imgbox.com/aayvxsGs.jpg

http://i.imgbox.com/aacDgq2X.jpg

http://i.imgbox.com/aapnkay5.jpg

http://i.imgbox.com/aadNBRO0.jpg

http://i.imgbox.com/aacJMDae.jpg
http://osaka-salon2.seesaa.net/

04/02

some different angles then the previous update.

http://i.imgur.com/NA95K.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/hR8Ty.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/jKVRV.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/dTdKA.jpg
http://building-pc.cocolog-nifty.com/map/


Scale model

http://i.imgur.com/aY5We.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/EbtgY.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/zSxAM.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/6PV94.jpg
http://osaka-salon2.seesaa.net/

Really great pic, thank you! The tower suits well, but everything in Japan seems to be white. How about a new colourful tower?

is this the tallest building in Japan?

yes

It's Japans 1st supertall building.

04/13

217m

http://i.imgur.com/5faec.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/9Wejm.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/JMr3U.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/hCd42.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/F7QOR.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/1F2co.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/MIJPb.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/jj9Ob.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/qRGwe.jpg
http://building-pc.cocolog-nifty.com/map/

Already the 17th tallest skyscraper in Japan.

300m with only 59 stories? :eek:

WTF?!:runaway:

^ In some cases, Japanese office buildings tend to have higher ceiling height than on the average. It's not uncommon in Japan.
But actually I kind of agree with you that is quite extreme to have merely 59 stories in a building that boasts 300 m to the roof.

To make it a bit less WTF, the tower actually has 60 floors (the title is wrong) and also the rooftop structure that isn't counted in the floor count is count for the total height. This gives it an average floor height of just under 5 meter, which is actually very average for modern Japanese office / mixed use towers.

To make it a bit less WTF, the tower actually has 60 floors (the title is wrong) and also the rooftop structure that isn't counted in the floor count is count for the total height. This gives it an average floor height of just under 5 meter, which is actually very average for modern Japanese office / mixed use towers.
I should add, not 62 Floors, by any chance??
Also I think the rooftop structure isn't much over 5/10 meters high?
Good insight.

The 62 number is including the rooftop structure.


You can see it from the following 2 pictures.

The observatory starts on floor 58 with the Plaza, that is the floor with the trees. Floor 59 is a between floor and floor 60 is the 360° view observation deck. Above the deck you see in picture of the model that the facade goes up for 2 more floors, and that there's also a rooftop structure with the Helicopter deck on top of it. The last part is indeed not higher then 10m, but it has the height of 2 somewhat lower floors.

http://i.imgur.com/aY5We.jpg

http://i.imgbox.com/aauKoxNt.jpg

The last picture is from the official website:
http://www.abenoharukas-300.com/en/

04/15

http://i.imgur.com/tVWj3.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/5oy9P.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/ztuNT.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/lCXeX.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/S2Tl2.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/0agak.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/OaFQp.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/Poqln.jpg
http://chaos08.blog17.fc2.com/

Slowing down lately but it will get to a faster pace in a few weeks.

They have reached the last setback?

They have reached the last setback?
Yes.

04/24

228m

http://i.imgbox.com/aaxRGiiS.jpg (http://imgbox.com/aaxRGiiS)

http://i.imgbox.com/aabtRXtJ.jpg (http://imgbox.com/aabtRXtJ)

http://i.imgbox.com/aanQvuHg.jpg (http://imgbox.com/aanQvuHg)

http://i.imgbox.com/aauXE1Z9.jpg (http://imgbox.com/aauXE1Z9)

http://i.imgbox.com/aao8LnTU.jpg (http://imgbox.com/aao8LnTU)

http://i.imgbox.com/aazjheK9.jpg (http://imgbox.com/aazjheK9)
http://building-pc.cocolog-nifty.com/map/

Looking so tall now. The tower is taking its last shape before completion. Amazing.

10/05

http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g436/kimiwind1184/kintetsu1205101.jpg

http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g436/kimiwind1184/kintetsu12051013.jpg

http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g436/kimiwind1184/kintetsu1205108.jpg

http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g436/kimiwind1184/kintetsu12051011.jpg

http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g436/kimiwind1184/kintetsu1205107.jpg

http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g436/kimiwind1184/kintetsu1205105.jpg
http://building-pc.cocolog-nifty.com/

How tall is it now?

How tall is it now?
On 24 April the tower reached a height of 228 meters.

Abeno Harukas will be the tallest tower in Japan superpassing Yokohama Tower...but I think the Yokohama Tower is more beautilful than this..what do the people think?

^^I don't like Yokohama Tower, it's a monster, IMO you can say it's imposing but beautiful is an adjetive that doesn't fit with that tower.
Abeno Harukas it's not that surprising at the moment but is looking better as it grows and it's more elegant.
There is something can not be denied, this is by no means one the best works that Pelli has made.

The 62 number is including the rooftop structure.


You can see it from the following 2 pictures.

The observatory starts on floor 58 with the Plaza, that is the floor with the trees. Floor 59 is a between floor and floor 60 is the 360° view observation deck. Above the deck you see in picture of the model that the facade goes up for 2 more floors, and that there's also a rooftop structure with the Helicopter deck on top of it. The last part is indeed not higher then 10m, but it has the height of 2 somewhat lower floors.

http://i.imgur.com/aY5We.jpg

http://i.imgbox.com/aauKoxNt.jpg

The last picture is from the official website:
http://www.abenoharukas-300.com/en/

I think one reason why Japan doesn't have much multi-storey supertalls due to its vulnerability to earthquakes.

^^ It's a combination of that and because a lot of companies in Japan apparently only build buildings for themselves, and not for 2-3 companies. Which is quite an interesting idea. It certainly must be a lot easy to have just the one company in a building. :cheers:

all you guys mentioned, and the fact that japanese most of all builds economically. You don't see much of crazy structures in tokyo. All neat, effective boxes. That's also the reason why they don't build extremely hight. Because it is simply more effective to build more lower buildings than one much more expensive supertall. Supertalls are more about prestige than efficiency.

Height isn't really an issue anymore when it comes to earthquakes. The Taipei 101 is also standing on top of an active vault. But it does make extravagant designs more difficult, it's one of the reasons why you see mostly straightforward buildings in Japan.

Here's my standard list of reasons why there aren't many supertalls in Japan.

- Airport related height restrictions. (The main business areas in Tokyo and Osaka both have a height restriction around 200m)
- Economic situation (slow growth for 20 years now)
- Seismic conditions (the techniques to make tall buildings safe for a reasonable price are less then 20 years old)
- Business preferences
- There's no need for Japan to put itself on the world map through tall buildings. It might even have a negative impact because many people wrongly think that tall buildings are unsafe during earthquakes.

05/16

current height: 240m

http://i.imgur.com/b0qM8.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/Y8VHA.jpg
http://osaka-salon2.seesaa.net/

Looking great already :). Not long before seeing this one topped out.

05/17

http://i566.photobucket.com/albums/ss106/AhoChaudeJP/abeno_harukas201205_01.jpg

http://i566.photobucket.com/albums/ss106/AhoChaudeJP/abeno_harukas201205_02.jpg

http://i566.photobucket.com/albums/ss106/AhoChaudeJP/abeno_harukas201205_03.jpg

http://i566.photobucket.com/albums/ss106/AhoChaudeJP/abeno_harukas201205_04.jpg

http://i566.photobucket.com/albums/ss106/AhoChaudeJP/abeno_harukas201205_05.jpg

http://i566.photobucket.com/albums/ss106/AhoChaudeJP/abeno_harukas201205_06.jpg

http://blog.osakanight.com/

Great colors! I'm starting to like this one more and more. Simply an amazing building on the way to be the tallest in Japan.

Wow, I didn't knew this one was so far already.

awesome progress :)

Wow, I didn't knew this one was so far already.

I didnt know about this one at all.

But DAMN, this is one very ugly design.

But DAMN, this is one very ugly design.
Hm?

Hm?

I just stated my opinion about this towers design. And in my opinion it is ugly.

The tower is not yet complete, so you can't judge it yet. Unless your opinion is based on the render's sketches, but actually it's difficult to call that ugly from that perspective :). But yeah, tastes differ sometimes in real uncanny way.

05/19

http://i.imgur.com/zqcLJ.jpg
http://chaos08.blog17.fc2.com/

This one looks good it has decent cladding and it doesn't look like a Christmas tree either.

The tower is not yet complete, so you can't judge it yet. Unless your opinion is based on the render's sketches, but actually it's difficult to call that ugly from that perspective :). But yeah, tastes differ sometimes in real uncanny way.

I was judging it by the renders on page 1 and the construction pics.

The massings makes it a hulk of a building, the tall and massive base doesnt integrate it well into its surrounding. Furthermore, the different claddings make it look unbalanced and somewhat generic. Everything is topped by the weird diagonal beams here and there, the weirdly patterend top section and the cut out rectangle on the top, with another cladding style.

The design follows the different functions of the building, that makes it stand out from true generic multi functional buildings that have a single look that doesn't show what's behind the curtain wall.

I was judging it by the renders on page 1 and the construction pics.

The massings makes it a hulk of a building, the tall and massive base doesnt integrate it well into its surrounding. Furthermore, the different claddings make it look unbalanced and somewhat generic. Everything is topped by the weird diagonal beams here and there, the weirdly patterend top section and the cut out rectangle on the top, with another cladding style.

It defininitively have the rough kind of look. But I kind of like it. It's maybe not so pleasant to look at but it have this certain japanese thing to it. I for one would never want it to have uniform blue or even worse reflective (juck :( ) cladding. Other interesting thing that makes this building (or at least it's construction) interesting is that it is the first supertall for japan. And one that certainly deserves the title. I first followed it only for the last mentioned reason (the japanese construction differs from what we see in different parts of the world - the early stages of construction were especially interesting) but now I like it more and more. Look after japanese cbd's pictures you will notice this tower blends nicely in the japanese culture of skyscrapers and you maybe start appreciate it ;)

05/19 & 05/20

http://i.imgbox.com/aayqy4kW.jpg (http://imgbox.com/aayqy4kW)

http://i.imgbox.com/aarIS3Fh.jpg (http://imgbox.com/aarIS3Fh)

http://i.imgbox.com/aajegryO.jpg (http://imgbox.com/aajegryO)

http://i.imgbox.com/aarbYqEl.jpg (http://imgbox.com/aarbYqEl)

http://i.imgbox.com/aadxpl9w.jpg (http://imgbox.com/aadxpl9w)

http://i.imgbox.com/aacNc1BY.jpg (http://imgbox.com/aacNc1BY)

http://i.imgbox.com/aaw5hUFF.jpg (http://imgbox.com/aaw5hUFF)
http://chaos08.blog17.fc2.com/