Old "New Towns" in Kobe and Future Perspectives of Inhabitants in Shrinking Detached Housing Areas Case of Takakuradai in Kobe City
A large amount of housing units was constructed in the suburban areas of Japan in the 1950s and 1960s in order to meet the needs of the rapid population growth, which often resulted in uncontrolled urban expansion. Owing to topographical conditions, however, Kobe retained its compact urban form between the Rokko mountain range and the Inland Sea, while the suburban areas developed behind the mountains are separated from the city center in which the urban functions are concentrated.