Tokyo Metropolitan Expressway

In Tokyo, for example here in Shimbashi, I see some shops. Nothing unusual.
Not outstanding but maybe remarkable is the large grey band on the facade.


Cycling to the university I see this. An ordinary street.
At the end of the street on a certain level a white facade or so with a green striping.


Then a bridge somewhere. In the background you can see the Shinkansen.
The high speed train built on the occassion of the 1964 Olympics.


And then something very out of the ordinary: a bridge appears to be connected to the roof of the shops...


May we introduce to you: the Tokyo Metropolitan Expressway!


On the occassion of those same Olympics in 1964, a network of highways was constructed through Tokyo. Because of the dense built up area and the formidable real estate prices the highway is built on pilars over the existing world. Without doubt this is the biggest structure in Tokyo. For that reason every architectural guide spends a chapter on it. And we are not an exception.


The planning of such a collosal structure is not easy. Bends need a certain radius and where could you find a strip of land that moves with a certain elegance through the urban area? An easy solution is to follow the rivers in the area. They exactly match the criteria for a good route.


This 'planning method' is popular throughout Asia.


It is being said that Tokyoites live with their backs to the water. Nevertheless some people want to live on the water. And as you can see it offers interesting combinations.




The Metropolitan Expressway is stacked sometimes, as to sheer along the buildings.




Sometimes something is done with colours and design like here in Roppongi.


Near a node in the Expressway network you can see four levels curling. In the centre on groundlevel you can see a koban. A police box. The translation of 'box' is very appropriate considering the actual size of the tiny police post. Koban are found on every major crossing. Sometimes they are almost invisible. Police does not use blue lights but red. On a koban you will always find a red lamp burning. So take care when you are looking around here at night in need with an abundance of hormons...





And this is where we ride our bikes.