Articles
Impact of cultural and ecological change on trees in historical public spaces: a case study of the trees and their history at Kanda Shrine, central Tokyo
Article number
1429_11
Pages
99 – 110
Language
English
Abstract
Preserving and managing historic public green spaces in response to urbanization and climate change is a major global challenge.
Tokyo, one of the world’s largest cities with a 400-year history, has undergone dramatic environmental changes due to urbanization.
In 1616, Kanda Shrine, along with several other temples and shrines, was relocated from Edo Castle to a linear arrangement on a cliff plateau along the Kanda River.
Since then, Kanda Shrine has been featured in many ukiyo-e prints as a public space and has continued to be shaped by urbanization.
This study investigates the history of tree planting at Kanda Shrine using historical pictorial maps and drawings.
Additionally, the type and size of all trees at the present Kanda Shrine (142 trees), the small park (25 trees), and the historical museum (134 trees) on the former shrine site were documented to determine the purpose behind their planting or whether they grew unintentionally, such as through seed dispersal by birds.
This research forms part of a project aimed at creating a sustainable shrine forest that addresses contemporary environmental and social needs.
Results revealed that the primary tree species in the landscape shifted from coniferous to broad-leaved, with symbolic, characteristic, ornamental, and edible trees planted based on the period and purpose.
Only a few old trees, such as ginkgo, were found to be over 100 years old, as many were destroyed by war and fire.
Thus, to preserve historic green spaces and create sustainable urban forests, it is crucial to plan for adaptive tree species selection and layouts that account for both cultural and environmental changes.
Tokyo, one of the world’s largest cities with a 400-year history, has undergone dramatic environmental changes due to urbanization.
In 1616, Kanda Shrine, along with several other temples and shrines, was relocated from Edo Castle to a linear arrangement on a cliff plateau along the Kanda River.
Since then, Kanda Shrine has been featured in many ukiyo-e prints as a public space and has continued to be shaped by urbanization.
This study investigates the history of tree planting at Kanda Shrine using historical pictorial maps and drawings.
Additionally, the type and size of all trees at the present Kanda Shrine (142 trees), the small park (25 trees), and the historical museum (134 trees) on the former shrine site were documented to determine the purpose behind their planting or whether they grew unintentionally, such as through seed dispersal by birds.
This research forms part of a project aimed at creating a sustainable shrine forest that addresses contemporary environmental and social needs.
Results revealed that the primary tree species in the landscape shifted from coniferous to broad-leaved, with symbolic, characteristic, ornamental, and edible trees planted based on the period and purpose.
Only a few old trees, such as ginkgo, were found to be over 100 years old, as many were destroyed by war and fire.
Thus, to preserve historic green spaces and create sustainable urban forests, it is crucial to plan for adaptive tree species selection and layouts that account for both cultural and environmental changes.
Authors
T. Takeuchi, R. Magosaki, M. Fujimoto
Keywords
landscape planning, historical landscape, green spaces, open spaces, urban greening
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