For those who weren't yet around, in 1964 the Summer Olympic Games were held in Tokyo and Yoyogi Park (one of the largest parks in Tokyo - adjacent to Harajuku and the Meiji Shrine) was where all the action took place. The picture below is of Kenzo Tange's Olympic Pavilion....which not incidentally, because of its sweeping steel curved roof, won architecture's highly regarded award in 1967....the Pritzker Prize.
The unique sweeping curved roof effect is achieved as a result of using steel suspension cables. In light of the fact that some things built 5 years ago are falling apart, this 40+ year old buildings duration is a credit to the architectural prowess of the architect.
Not just an award winning former Olympic Stadium, this building has been maintained and is still frequently used for various events such as national and international sporting events. Who knows perhaps it might be used again in 2016 if Tokyo is selected as the site for the 31st Summer Olympic Games.
OK, back to watching the Beijing Olympics.
All the best....Mark
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