Group 1: URBAN FOLLY
Spaces that can be both public and private are referred to as intermediate spaces or [italic-start]shakoba[italic-end] (literally "socializing places"). Convenience stores are typical [italic-start]shakoba[italic-end]. The convenience-store system is used to create new urban installations. The idea is to develop these urban installations in the real city. The attempt to rediscover in the city a system similar to that of convenience stores is interesting, but it has not been developed into an architectural experiment. I feel that this could have been a more realistic proposal had the relationship to actual conditions in the central district been described in greater detail.
Group 2: UNIFIED
The approach that is adopted--to rediscover the structure of the Yokohama waterfront through its relationship to land infrastructure--has merit. However, the buildings that are planned for the three rediscovered places do not have sufficient logical connection to one another. A unique building is planned for each place. As Momoyo Kaijima has pointed out, it is not clear for whom the facilities are intended and who would be responsible for planning the facilities. That is, the proposal is not realistic. A program showing how the buildings can be realized should have been described.
Group 3: TOWARDS URBANITY ON THE SHORELINE
The idea is to double the size of the urban structure in the Kannai area and transplant it to the Minato Mirai district. The Kannai area, which has a long history, undoubtedly has a more attractive urban structure than the Minato Mirai district, which is entirely new. But it is not clear why the size of the urban structure was doubled. It makes the proposal seem unmethodical. That is, the proposal does not seem to be much more than an inspired idea, a brain wave. A theoretical rationale for doubling the size is needed.
Group 4: INTERIOR HARBOR
The idea of approaching development, not from the land-side as has been the case up to now, but from the sea-side, is excellent. If the shoreline is to be "interior-ized", the bases of existing buildings must be carefully redesigned in relation to the sea. That idea too is quite realistic. To the extent that it is realistic, a shortcoming is revealed--the proposal is not interesting architecturally. However, the overall reasoning is quite clear.
Group 5: scale - grain - mix
The presentation is excellent. That is because the graphic-design method used is in keeping with the nature of the proposal. Connecting specific buildings in the existing city with bridges is a simple idea, but I feel this could have become an interesting plan had the participants been able to arrive at a slightly more systematic method--a method such as assuming invisible bridges and using such bridges to control shapes in city planning. I think the idea of invisible structures that become visible every time buildings are realized has potential.
Group 6: MIX MAX
The idea of developing a university campus on the Minato Mirai district is orthodox but well thought out. If such a facility is to live off (that is, to be a parasite on) existing urban spaces, perhaps a slightly stronger proposal that might potentially alter today's urban spaces is needed. I feel the participants could have taken more advantage of the opportunity this afforded to reorganize the university system.
