Johan Wijesinghe
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Living Island: Revitalizing Rural Japan
A student project of mine that was aimed at countering the rapid depopulation of rural Japan, with a focus on revitalizing the Island of Inujima. This initiative was a highlight at the Venice Biennale in 2016, and part of an ongoing series at Japan House showcasing a model for rejuvenating abandoned rural landscapes and villages.
Instructor: Kazuyo Sejima, Klaus Bollinger
Exhibition: Venice Biennale 2016
Historical Context & Modern Challenges:
Once a bustling industrial hub in the 1800s, Inujima's economic pivot in 1900 led to a mass migration towards urban centers, leaving rural areas like Inujima underserved, especially in healthcare and elderly care.
The Solution:
A New Healthcare Paradigm:
Our approach intertwines local traditions with modern healthcare needs, creating a unique care facility model that not only provides health services but also revitalizes community life. This model challenges and innovates upon Japan's current healthcare system, which often focuses on individuality and specialization.
The Three-Pronged Community Strategy
- Functional Distribution: Spreading healthcare services across the island to create a network adapted to Inujima's specific layout.
- Vernacular Adaptation: Utilizing the island’s existing structures and architectural patterns to integrate care facilities seamlessly.
- Central Gathering Spaces: Developing 'in-between spaces' that foster community interaction and cater to residents' needs, all while respecting the unique spatial dynamics of each location.
Our VisionVernacular Synergies aims not just to provide a solution for Inujima but to serve as a blueprint for revitalizing similar rural communities worldwide. By embracing local heritage, community needs, and sustainable practices, we envision a future where depopulated areas are transformed into thriving hubs of art, culture, and communal living.