Beyond Infrastructure: The Naha Port Freeway Airport Route Ventilation Towers as Landmarks of Continuous History and Collective Memory

Modern infrastructure often prioritizes functionality over cultural resonance, leading to urban 'non-places.' However, the Naha Port Ventilation Towers (2012) challenge this norm by integrating historical and cultural significance into a contemporary logistics hub. Located at Naha's historic gateway, these towers draw inspiration from Ryukyu Kingdom fortresses, Miegusuku and Yarazamori-gusuku, using Gusuku-inspired circular plinths and Ryukyuan limestone textures to create spatial continuity. This study demonstrates that large-scale civil engineering projects can transcend utilitarianism by embedding vernacular symbols into public landscapes, thereby revitalizing collective memory and fostering urban identity. The research employs a qualitative case study approach, analyzing historical iconography, architectural design, and media discourse, while tracing the towers' 15-year conceptual evolution through interviews with lead architects. It critiques the 'Architecture of the Fitting,' arguing that activating a site's stratified vitality rather than mere formal replication is key to maintaining continuous history.

Wu, X., & Nakai, Y. (2026). Beyond Infrastructure: The Naha Port Freeway Airport Route Ventilation Towers as Landmarks of Continuous History and Collective Memory. EAAE Annual Conference Proceedings. https://doi.org/10.51588/eaaeacp.534