Disaster Response Japan Project #7712

Build Back Better Tohoku

by Architecture for Humanity

Project Report | Jan 16, 2014
Tohoku Reconstruction Update: January 2014

By Yuko Okamura | Design Fellow, Reconstruction & Resiliency Studio

Happy New Year!

We excitedly welcome 2014, the year of the horse!

Cold temperatures fill Japan, and snow has begun to cover the northern landscapes. 2013 was a busy year; we completed the Maeami-hama Community House, Kitakami Market and Youth Center, the Yamayo Suisan and at MakiBiz we held a number of business seminars open to the public and helped many clients through business consultations. We currently have 5 projects under construction plus one more beginning shortly.

In this update:

MakiBiz Request for Proposal Programs
Kamaishi Park for All: Construction of the "Home for All" clubhouse nearly complete.
MakiBiz Client Intake
Senior Design Fellow Aki presents in AIA Japan Event
Eric Cesal presenting in "Embracing Change: Building Resilience with Communities"

We look forward to continuing our efforts in supporting Tohoku communities in 2014!

Best,

Architecture for Humanity

UPDATES

MakiBiz Request for Proposal Program

The MakiBiz Request for Proposal (RFP) program is supporting the rebuilding of 7 small businesses and entrepreneurs affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011.

With 4 projects under construction, one more to begin at the end of the month, and 2 already completed we are steadily building momentum. See this update for a summary on where each of the projects stand.

We will begin supporting two additional projects this Spring. Look forward to updates to come!

Park for All

The building is now 90% complete! Most of the lighting, plumbing and paint work is done, all that remains is the deck on the first floor, which will be installed in two weeks. Construction work will now focus on the field where netting has already been installed, and drainage will be installed this week.

Look forward to completion of this project soon!

MakiBiz Client In-Take

MakiBiz has supported 144 business owners since its office opened in November 2012. Information about our clients along with other MakiBiz updates can be found here.

Architecture for Humanity represented at AIA Japan Annual Event

In November, senior design fellow Aki presented at an annual AIA Japan event held at Daikanyama Hillside Terrace in Tokyo. Here he presented our work, mainly focusing on an overview of our reconstruction and rebuilding efforts worldwide and in Japan. Read more about this event.

EVENTS

Embracing Change: Building Resilience with Communities

On January 15 and 16, Keio University's International Program for Environmental Innovators (EI) will host their 4th International EI symposium at their Hiyoshi Campus in Yokohama. Organized and led in part by Architecture for Humanity Tokyo Chapter leaders, the event will bring together actors and pioneers carrying out projects directed at building resiliency around the world. The discussions are aimed at inspiring new ideas for how to deal with massive changes, such as climate change, disaster response, social issues and economic transformation.

Reconstruction and Resiliency Studio Director Eric Cesal will be speaking about what the developing world may be able to teach the first world about building resilient communities. Learn more about the event and how to register here!

JOB OPPORTUNITIES AND PROGRAM NEEDS

TOHOKU PROJECT STATUS REPORT

In Progress

Completed

Sasaki Tekko - Completed Jan/2014
Yamayo Suisan - Completed Oct/2013
Shizugawa Fishermen's Workspace "Banya" - Completed Feb/2013
Maeami-hama Community House / - Completed Feb/2013
Kitakami "We Are One" Market and Youth Center - Completed Dec/2012
Akahama Covered Alley - Completed Jul/2012
Oshika House - Women's Collaborative - Completed Jul/2012
Paper Crane Sculpture - Completed Jan/2012
Shizugawa Judo Juku - Completed Dec/2011
Ohya Green Sports Park - Completed Dec/2011
Hikado Marketplace - Completed Jul/2011

CA Construction Administration; CD Construction Documents; DD Design Development; SD Schematic Design; PD Pre-Design - About the Phases

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