AfH Coastal Resilience Workshop: Japan

During the summer of 2013, Dr. Daijiro Mizuno working with Nathaniel Corum of Architecture for Humanity and trans-disciplinary students from Keio University engaged in research,
fieldwork and design production to facilitate potential evacuations from Enoshima, Japan
—one of the most exposed beach communities closest to Tokyo—in preparation for potential earthquake, fire and tsunami events.
To understand the unique local challenges the group interviewed a wide range of stakeholders including: representatives from the Japan Coast Guard, the local fire police and lifeguard services, city officials,
monks from local shrines, elder care home staff, local fishermen, surfers, beachgoers, merchants and business people, tourists and the homeless.
Crucial unforeseen informants emerged.
For example, it became clear that garbage collection providers were often in close contact with isolated local residents such as elders and had much to offer to the design response discussion.