Problems in realizing Yasuhei Nagaoka's design proposal for Ouchidani Park and subsequent progress

Abstract

This study focused on the design of Ouchidani Park. The factors in this case, in which Nagaoka's design for the planned park did not come to fruition, are presented and elucidated. This research clarified the background and process leading up to the design and its contents and subsequent progress using assembly minutes and local newspaper articles. It also verified the relationship between the design content and subsequent progress. Moreover, factors hindering its realization and the circumstances leading to Ouchidani Park’s current state are considered. First, this paper details the failure to achieve Nagaoka's design. Primarily, cost and the relationship with the shrine hindered its realization. Multiple problems arose because it was a shrine site, which hindered the plan’s realization. Furthermore, the initially desired park site at the end of the Meiji era was an ancient castle. If this site had been used, the problems could have been avoided. Therefore, site selection was the primary reason the park could not be created.