Research Abstract:

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“How can urban design reduce vulnerabilities to seismic disaster risk in Japan’s cities?”

 

Located above four tectonic plates and along a hotspot for earthquakes, Japan is highly exposed to the risks of seismic activity, introducing a host of challenges for the planners and developers of Japan’s rapidly expanding and developing cities. Managing the risks of seismic activity in Japan’s urban areas is a constant concern that has primarily been addressed through innovative earthquake-proof building technology and corrective measures.

 Rather than focusing on architectural and engineering solutions, this research project aims to identify urban design principles and recommendations that can reduce the physical vulnerabilities in Japan’s cities and create more earthquake resilient spaces.

 The methodological approach for this research project will be led by an inquiry by design, a methodology that uses design principles to aid a research investigation in identifying applicable solutions. This research will uses the analysis of relevant literature and post-earthquake reconstruction case studies to identify principles of urban design that successfully reduced disaster risk. The data collected from interviews with a variety research and industry professionals will add insight into the topic and the present contextual issues.

 By identifying the possibilities in which urban design can be a tool for disaster risk reduction, this study found a set of design principles that can guide industry professionals in mitigating earthquake impacts and reducing vulnerabilities of the urban forms for safer and more resilient urban areas.