This first study focuses on rapid methods of post-disaster site analysis and planning for a Memorial Community Center in the district of Utatsu, which was devastated by the tsunami.
Rapid visual methods have been developed to screen seismic architectural hazards (e.g., FEMA 154/155), but there is a need for additional development of rapid site reconnaissance, analysis, and planning methods. This goal was pursued in four stages:
- Site Analysis Methods
- Landscape Transect Analysis
- Site Analysis and Planning
- Community Center Schematic Design
On-site fieldwork was conducted to assist Miyagi University’s on-going relief work was conducted at Minami Sanriku in July 2011. Anticipating limited on-site resources, the bulk of workshop activities were centered in the Tané valley of Shiga Prefecture. The project is now engaged in refining these methods of rapid post-disaster site analysis and planning.
Within the Landscape Transect Analysis stage, seven areas of Utatsu were identified for study in locations mapped across the city :
- Approaching Utatsu / Adele Philips
- JR Corridor / Yushiro Okamoto
- West Valley / Hung Fai Tang
- Slopes of Utatsu / Yihyun Lim
- Old Edo Road / Anita Heredia
- School to Cove
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Analysis 1 / Yuto Shiozaki
Analysis 2 / Florence Doughty
- East Valley / Matthew Bunza
Based on this large-scaled analysis, the students regrouped to focus on specific sites :
- Mountain + Sea / Yushiro Okamoto and Adele Philips
- Schoolyard Overlook / Matthew Bunza, Hung Fai Tang, Kenji Soma
- Kitsune Site / Florence Doughty, Yihyun Lim
- Pilgrimage + Restoration / Anita Heredia, Yuto Shiozaki