Given the steep, rocky topography of Gunkanjima, the the designers had little alternative but to build their tenement houses one above another, and in that sense topographical conditions were an important reason for the island's crucial place in the development of reinforced concrete structure.

Furthermore,

1)The high density and 3 dimensional qualities typical of urban housing projects, combined with flexibility and variety of composition helped to increase the sense of unity of the community.

2)Although the density was high and the built environment was cramped and complicated like a labyrinth, there were many landmarks and each space had its own individual identity influenced by the changing topography. It is noteworthy that in this way the repetitious standardisation typical of large scale urban housing projects was avoided.

3)The variety and flexibility of the site and the structures helped to decrease the sense of alienation. 4)Gunkanjima was a barren, rocky island without soil. A longing for green vegetation gave rise to tree planting campaigns by the Children's Association and other active community groups, thus enhancing the sense of unity. 5)The small scale of the settlement gave rise to a high level of contact with neighbors, creating a sense of strong identity with the local community amongst all individuals, rather like that generated in fishing villages as a result of the contiguity of work and living. (Fig. 2-10 ~ 12, Ph. 2-12.13)