Saving Kenzo Tange's Kagawa Gymnasium: A Community's Bold Vision

Kagawa Gymnasium preservation, unique architecture under blue sky.

Preserving Kenzo Tange's Legacy: The Fight to Save a Landmark

The Kagawa Prefectural Gymnasium, a stunning example of Brutalist architecture designed by acclaimed architect Kenzo Tange, has been facing demolition since 2025. The building, often referred to as the "Boat Gymnasium," was completed in the early 1960s and features a distinct upward-curving roof reminiscent of a boat's sail, blending harmoniously with its maritime surroundings near the Seto Inland Sea. However, the structure has been closed since 2014 due to structural concerns, and discussions about its future have sparked strong reactions from the community.

The Push for Preservation Amid Demolition Plans

The Kagawa Prefectural Government's announcement of a bidding process for the gymnasium's demolition was met with resistance from several organizations, including the Former Kagawa Prefectural Gymnasium Regeneration Committee. Formed as a response to the demolition threat, this grassroots organization aims to revitalize the landmark by proposing a new vision. The committee's plan includes utilizing private funds to refurbish the gymnasium into a "tourism exchange hub," where art and architecture can come together, thus enhancing the local community's cultural landscape.

Innovative Plans: Blending History and Modern Use

The regeneration committee's vision includes making the building a part of the local tourism infrastructure. Their proposal outlines plans for reinforcing the gymnasium's earthquake resistance, albeit with no reliance on public funds. Two potential business models have been hinted at—one featuring a hotel with a book lounge and another for a single-structure hotel. This ambitious project not only seeks to preserve an architectural masterpiece but also aims to contribute positively to the local economy.

Connecting Community and Architecture

The push for this renovation sparks broader discussions about the value of maintaining historic structures in the face of modernization and urban development. Community involvement in such initiatives highlights a growing recognition of the importance of architectural heritage and its potential role in local identity. As society progresses, finding innovative ways to rejuvenate and repurpose historic buildings like the Kagawa Gymnasium becomes critical, marrying the old with the new.

Preserving Kenzo Tange's Kagawa Prefectural Gymnasium would not only save a unique architectural gem but also foster a renewed sense of community and cultural engagement, offering lessons for other regions facing similar dilemmas. The fate of this remarkable building illustrates an ongoing clash between preservation and development—a debate worth following.

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Saving Kenzo Tange's Kagawa Gymnasium: A Community's Bold Vision

Preserving Kenzo Tange's Legacy: The Fight to Save a Landmark

The Push for Preservation Amid Demolition Plans

Innovative Plans: Blending History and Modern Use

Connecting Community and Architecture

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