A High Raised Condo Vs Mount Fuji
The builders of a condo recently volunteered to bring down the building that is nearing completion. They realized that it is a blot on the spectacular landscape. Teens at YWC, discuss the matter...
Grand Maison Fujimidori stands in front of the magnificent Mount Fuji. It is a condo that is nearing completion. In an utterly surprising turn of events, the builders, Sekisui House, have volunteered to demolish the building as they have come to realize that the building disrupts the spectacular view of Mount Fuji!
The local residents have been opposing the project and a couple of years ago, the builders even agreed to reduce the number of floors. But things changed when the building was nearly done with only a few finishing touches left. They were able to see the detrimental impact and hence have chosen to demolish the building. This turn of events is flabbergasting at more than one level. Topmost needless to say is the potential monetary loss. However, clearly preserving the gem of Japan is far more important to them than a temporary monetary loss.
Teens at the Young Writers’ Club, debated about allowing any kind of multi storey building that could obstruct the view of something beautiful in nature
Most of the teens were against the decision. Their arguments were in the following lines:
Picturesque places such as the Mount Fuji serve as the perfect havens for tourism. That translates in to revenue for the economy.
If the condo was to enable its residents to have a good view of the mountain, it is not fair to other local residents living close by. No one has ownership over a view.
What is the need to build such a building? So that those live there can have a good view?
One building starts many will follow.
The place could become more crowded and commutes could become longer.
Everyone must have equal chance to experience splendor not just those can afford to live in the condo.
It could seem offensive to many, especially the senior citizen population. Considering that Japan has a higher percentage of aging population, it is far more likely to offend a significant majority.
Also, there are many temples in the vicinity thus contributing a sense of religious and historical significance to many living around the place. Their interests must be taken into account.
A condo is likely to lead to more permanent residents which would result in more shops and other attractions thus contributing to a decline in the charm that this place has been known to have.
There are barricades installed now to prevent tourist population from disrupting the peace in the location. Often crowded with tourists trying to take selfies with the mountain in the background caused much trouble for the local residents. Tons of garbage gets generated and left behind thus disrupting the charm the place has come to have over several decades.
It isn’t always easy to take a step back and notice the less obvious
Arguments in favor of the building
Japan has a declining population. Offering the incentive of a good view for potential immigrants may not be a bad idea.
How about building in such a way that it does not obstruct the view? Afterall, there are so many people already living near the mountain even today.
It is possible that the arguments in favor listed above might have come up for discussion in meetings held to arrive at a decision about Grand Maison Fujimidori. However, it seems like ultimately, the builders have an affinity to the mountain and its beauty. Anything that impacts it is incorrect. In this case it so happens that they are the cause. Hence, the decision to bring the building down. Question is why did it take so long for them to realize? Didn’t the local residents protest already? They knew that the view would be impacted. So why not the builders?