Key to disaster-resistant urban development

It is essential to improve disaster prevention measures in densely populated areas, such as the capital earthquake that is said to be inevitable. Our society, which is highly developed and relies on convenient and efficient civilization, is vulnerable. In particular, detailed measures that respond to social changes such as the declining birthrate and aging population and the weakening of neighborhood relationships will be essential. In order to strengthen regional disaster prevention, we must rebuild relationships of mutual assistance by raising and sharing disaster prevention awareness.

In the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, about 80% of those who needed help were rescued by ordinary citizens such as family members, acquaintances, and neighbors, which led to the realization that raising disaster prevention awareness in the community was of utmost importance. The basic stance of disaster prevention measures has also changed, and the principle of prioritizing self-help and mutual aid over relying on public assistance has been set out. When people say that public assistance is unreliable, it makes you worry about whether your own place will be okay, but in recent disaster prevention town planning, people from all walks of life, not just the government and local residents, but also private companies and NPOs, have begun to work together to make effective use of the power of the community.

One of the pioneers of this movement is the Tokyo Station Area Disaster Prevention Neighborhood Association, which was established in 2004. This community organization was established and is run by three neighborhood associations in the Tokyo Station and Yurakucho Station areas, based on the idea that disaster prevention measures should be considered and promoted as a "town" rather than as individual businesses' own. In the event of a disaster, the organization operates disaster prevention radio and internet, collects and transmits information such as the safety and damage situation of residents, sets up support locations, carries out relief activities, distributes minimal amounts of food and water, and is also responsible for managing volunteers. In normal times, the organization is involved in a wide range of activities, including disaster prevention and crime prevention urban development activities, disaster prevention training, public awareness activities, and initiatives as a business district. Last year, the organization received the Prime Minister's Award, the Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications Award, and the Fire Department Superintendent General's Award.

In the event of a large-scale disaster in the city center, it is expected that not only those currently working but also those staying temporarily will be unable to return home, and as a countermeasure, it is essential to set up safety zones to accommodate them. Efforts are also spreading to secure common areas of buildings as emergency response, rescue, communication, and evacuation sites in the event of a disaster.

In addition to design and functionality, Architectural Design designers must also proactively consider incorporating spaces that can be used for everyday interaction between building users, as well as spaces that can function as communication points and evacuation shelters in emergencies.