Towards Astronomy-Inspired Future Street Design: Polaris in Ginza Street as a Case Study
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: This paper explores the design relationship between astronomical observations and urban street design, using the visual alignment between the WAKO clock tower in Ginza and the northern polar sky—specifically Polaris—as a case study. It distinguishes four aspects of using celestial structures in urban street design: astronomical regularity, engineering reference, aesthetic manifestation, and normative authorization. Building on this framework, the study addresses three key questions: how spatial coordination acquires aesthetic and cosmological significance, how urban centrality transforms or shifts, and how streets can be designed to sustain orientation while remaining open to dynamic public life. Ultimately, the paper proposes a design framework for urban street design inspired by astronomical principles, advocating for streets that seamlessly integrate astronomical regularity with the fluidity of urban life.
DOI: 10.17613/8cqvn-mek72
Author: Wanhong HUANG
Language: English
Subfield: Archeology (arts and humanities)
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7225144759