In the coming days and years, Japan needs to address a host of issues related to earthquake recover and design, including damaged infrastructure, population and housing, energy, the economy and global impact.
Blogger Kelsey Keith says: "Suffice it to say, this is about more than just one building."
Japan's earthquake has registered billions of dollars in damage and thousands of lost lives. The country will be recovering for years, but now is the time to mobilize materials and solutions related to nearly every aspect of Japan's culture and society.
"In recent years, following disasters in New Orleans and Haiti, architects across the globe have responded with due diligence to innovate temporary shelters, relief infrastructure, and longer-term housing solutions for devastated communities. Of course, it takes time to build, so how we can mobilize these technological and material solutions now?"
FULL STORY: Considering Design Solutions for Japan’s Earthquake Recovery
In Japanese Tsunami Zone, a Plan to Elevate Cities
The Yomiuri Shimbun reports on plans to elevate the ground level in urban areas that were inundated by the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami, prior to rebuilding. One town will elevate its land by 17 meters (55 feet).
State Study Calls For Tsunami Evacuation Structures In Coastal Communities
A Washington state study recommends the construction of dozens of tsunami evacuation facilities along the Pacific Northwest coast.
Generational Divide Opens Gap in Post-Tsunami Planning
The Economist looks at the generational gap that is hampering efforts to rebuild tsunami-stricken communities in Japan, as the elderly favor restoring what was lost as soon as possible, and the young seek sustainable revitalization.
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How Microgrids Can Boost Community Resilience
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Looking for the Light in a Dark Age
Professor Glenn Lyons offers insights about the challenges facing planners in times of rapid technological, cultural, and social change, in Local Transport Today's first ‘Deep Thinking Initiative’ article.
Menlo Park to Develop Parking Lots Into Housing
The city will issue a request for proposals to build subsidized housing on up to three downtown parking lots.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
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