This summer will be Year Four of JDW/MIT Japan 3.11 Initiative focusing on assisting the people of Tohoku in the rebuilding of their community in the aftermath of the unprecedented earthquake/tsunami/nuclear meltdown disaster which occurred on 3.11.2011. Having worked in Minamisanriku, Miyagi from 2011-2013, we will again engage in the design and building of “transitional architecture,” this year in Rikuzen-Takata in Iwate-ken.

All activities will be conducted in close collaboration with the residents of temporary housing, local community leaders and students of Prof. Otsuki of the University of Tokyo. Constraints will be present such as a minimum budget and improvised tools & construction equipment as well as lack of expert skilled workforce, workspace and transportation. At the same time, there will be ample opportunities to engage with a cross-section of local people and fellow participants in discussions surrounding imminent critical design/planning issues of housing relocation, alternative land-use, future community form, and management of a sustainable livelihood and ecosystem for the entire region.

See this document for additional information.