Architecture for Humanity and Tohoku Communities Reflect on Accomplishments, Opportunities in Reconstruction

SAN FRANCISCO, March 7, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- This Sunday, March 11, 2012, marks the one year anniversary of the devastating earthquake and tsunami that affected 550 kilometers of Japan's coastline. Through difficult conditions, Architecture for Humanity and its teams of local architects and partners have been working with communities to build a balanced recovery.

The organization has been working with remote communities that have received little reconstruction aid following the tsunami. Through extensive direct outreach to community members, Architecture for Humanity identified three branches as their focus for reconstruction: economic development, access to sport, and support for elderly and young people in need.

"We call these sorts of interventions 'Urban Acupuncture,'" notes Program Coordinator Hiromi Tabei. "Localized improvements affect the health of a community much like each acupuncture needle influences the overall health of a body."

2011 saw the completion of five projects including the Hikado Marketplace and Ohya Green Sports Park, rare community spaces in Motoyoshi, as well as Shizugawa Judo Juku, returning a safe and comfortable dojo to young athletes. In 2012, Architecture for Humanity will support design and construction of eight projects in collaboration with Japanese architects and construction professionals.

The resiliency and creativity of Tohoku residents continue to meet the challenges of reconstruction head-on; the organizational and material resources and design expertise of Architecture for Humanity are bringing these ambitions to fruition.

For more information, please visit the full Tohoku Rebuilding Program Update:
http://architectureforhumanity.org/updates/2012-03-06-build-back-better-tohoku-one-year-later

About Architecture for Humanity
Architecture for Humanity is a nonprofit design services firm founded in 1999. We are building a more sustainable future through the power of professional design. By tapping a network of more than 40,000 professionals willing to lend time and expertise to help those who would not otherwise be able to afford their services, we bring design, construction and development services where they are most critically needed. http://architectureforhumanity.org

SOURCE Architecture for Humanity