‘Igune’ in the sea and ‘Ukishima’ the floating island on the land
Natural Disaster relief Proposal and Symposium at RIBA and BOZAR
Reconstruction Concept of Yuriage District of Natori City after the Earthquake Disaster 311
2nd phase, 6th May 2012.
After visiting Yuriage on March 17, two friends established the “Yuriage Committee Town Planning and Reconstruction” a group founded on the belief that town planning should reflect the views of local residents. The group’s members completed a prospectus by April 21 and began interviewing local residents. At first, the group had difficulty locating the residents because they had scattered during the evacuation, many had settled with relatives and in evacuation centres.
Twenty-seven people attended the group’s first meeting, held on May 10. Unable to face the realities of the disaster, many victims made dark, pessimistic comments, suggesting that their fears had not yet abated. Thirty-five people attended the second meeting, held on May 24. At this meeting, the victims ’desires to return to Yuriage began to surface. Addressing the group, one man commented “As a fisherman, my day begins with the smell of the sea breeze. When I can’t smell the sea breeze, I feel like I can’t breathe.” At the third meeting, held on June 12, group organisers encouraged all attendees to express their opinions, which the organisers, with the help of five volunteers from Waseda University, later distilled and organised. At the fourth meeting, held on July 7, organisers talked with residents about their specific desires. They told the organisers they did indeed hope for a plan that would allow them to live securely in Yuriage, so the organizers began developing a reconstruction plan.
The plan is based on the principle that the local topography should not be changed any more than it already has. It incorporates “igune” of the sea,” which are layered coral reefs arranged to attenuate the energy of approaching tsunamis. It also features “evacuation parking garages” that adjoin “floating islands on the land,” which are elevated concrete decks that provide living space above the ground surface. These elements are designed to create safe, secure living environments. The plan also includes proposals aimed at expanding productivity in the region and promoting entrepreneurship.
The group’s organisers hope that local residents will think for themselves and take initiative in the reconstruction of their town. Furthermore, they hope that everyone involved will help shoulder the responsibilities of reconstruction. They believe that all plans must involve the local residents and that architects, as specialists, should support and give expression to the residents’ thinking. It was the will of hopeful residents that set this plan in motion. The group’s members are currently continuing with their efforts to increase participation and to pursue new developments in town planning and reconstruction.
