Disaster Refuge and Relief Urban Park System in Japan

Abstract

This paper provides an overview of the establishment and history of the Japanese disaster refuge park system, the current state of the system, and planned future developments. Urban parks, as places of disaster refuge, have been significantly important, and recognized as such, since the Great Kanto Earthquake of Tokyo in 1923. In response to this earthquake, a system of shelters and escape route were established. The modern Japanese disaster refuge system is tied to the period following the Osaka-Kobe Earthquake in 1995. During this period, urban parks became the center of disaster reconstruction and renovation, transfer stations for rescue materials, and shelter from fire of urban blocks. Additionally, this paper elaborates on the necessity for integrated planning and construction of disaster refuge spaces in urban design, and speculates on future park developments. Finally, the paper offers a critique on the limitations of urban green spaces to also function as disaster refuge areas. Landscape Architecture can play an important role in disaster-prevention and response, daily park use, park management, and increased community awareness and social resiliency.

Keywords

Disaster / Urban / Disaster Refuge and Relief Park / Japan

RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

2014 Higher Education Press