Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower

Set amidst the Nishi-Shinjuku business skyscraper district in Shinjuku, Tokyo, this 50-story educational facility was completed in October, 2008. At 204m (668 ft), it is the 18th tallest building in Tokyo. This cocoon shaped tower houses a fashion school, technology and design college, and a medical college.

Walking around Tokyo, it's easy to be in awe of the mass number of people and glass covered modern marvels. The feeling is quite different from other mega cities. The challenge of laying out a megalopolis brings with it the increasing difficulty of moving people around. By comparison, in Seoul, it's evident that city planners didn't give nearly the same priority to pedestrians that those in Tokyo did. In Tokyo, the traffic stops in all directions to allow pedestrians to safely and efficiently cross the streets. In Seoul, you might have to take the stairs underground to cross the intersection before re-emerging on the surface at your intended destination. Rather inconvenient if you happen to have some luggage with you.

Cocoon-shaped skyscraper contributing to Tokyo's modern skyline.