While researching, I came across Tange's plan and his proposal to help Tokyo's population crisis. Since there are so many people, two important ideas that Tange recognized were the transportation system and the need for direct communication (rather than technical communication). The problem with a city of 10,000,000 people is that these people need places to live. Following the typical urban pattern since the Middle Ages, as Tokyo's central urban district grows, the suburbs grow. Which in turn means there are more commuters, that travel farther and farther everyday. Tange realized that the traditional radial plan provides mobility for smaller cities, but in a city where the movement is increasing by the day, it is "beyond its limitations". Because the rapid speed and scale of movement was ultimately destroying the spatial order of the city, Tange thought it was necessary to create a new order.
Tange happened to be a member of the Metabolist Group, which was an Avant-garde group which was found during the 1960s. "The work processes for an architectural Avant-garde group can be defined by: (1) carefully studying current social issues; (2) fore-seeing the potential needs in the future; (3) and attempt to resolve the needs by innovative solution(s). With different observations and predictions of social needs, architects would be able to respond to urban forms, structures and densities through different solutions" (Kang Yau).
Tange mentions in his essay that he was not trying to reject the Tokyo that currently existed. He insisted on providing the city with a new structure which would lead to its rejuvenation or "re-birth". I feel that following the ideas of Kenzo Tange could ultimately help the city of New Orleans. Just like Tange says, it's not rejecting the existing conditions, it's "rejuvenating".
Works Cited:
Kang Yau, Lee. "THE UTOPIA CITY IN METABOLISM." Web. 18 Nov. 2010. <www.arch.cuhk.edu.hk/.../Lee%20Kang%20Yau_s0903219_3E.doc>Tange, Kenzo. "A Plan for Tokyo." Textbook. (pg. 325-334). 1960.