xLAB ArcDR3 Forum Vol.2: Learning from Tohoku

March 5, 2021, 4 – 7:30 PM PST / MARCH 6, 9 - 11:30 AM JST

ArcDR³ (Architecture and Urban Design for Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience) is a global initiative established by xLAB at UCLA Architecture and Urban Design, in partnership with IRIDeS at Tohoku University in Japan, and Miraikan - The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation in Japan, as a part of the APRU Multi-Hazards Program. 11 major universities from regions with recurring risks of natural disasters have also been invited to participate by engaging in a collaborative research studio that pursues new strategies for risk-resilient environments across the Pacific Rim. By establishing an international platform for the production and exchange of knowledge on environmental design that reduces the risk of recurring disasters and enhances resilience, ArcDR³ aims to create a more effective integration of theory / research and practice / design.

ArcDR³ Forum Vol.2: Learning from Tohoku

"ArcDR³ Forum Vol.2: Learning from Tokoku" will be held on Friday, March 5, and is the second event in the series of research, symposia, and exhibitions planned by the ArcDR³ initiative. The event will be livestreamed via UCLA Architecture and Urban Design's YouTube page starting at 4 PM PST / 9 AM JST.

View the Livestream

Convened near the 10th anniversary of the 3.11 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami of March 11, 2011, ArcDR³ Forum Vol.2: "Learning from Tohoku" is one of a series of ArcDR³ events related to the research, symposia, and exhibitions organized by the Initiative.

The aims of ArcDR³ Forum Vol.2: Learning from Tohoku are to share experiences of the Great East Japan Earthquake and the first 10 years of the recovery process in the Tohoku region of Japan and to create a venue for the active exchange of information and discussion with ArcDR³ members from the 11 participating universities in the Pacific region. Each facing their localized natural hazard risks, ArcDR³ members will share outcomes and reflections drawn from architecture and urban design studios that focused on local risk contexts.

The largest city in the area affected by the 3.11 disaster, Sendai City has also played a key role in promoting the international dialogue of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), including the establishment of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 during the 3rd World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in 2015. Another DRR initiative, the Sendai Mirai Forum 2021: “For a Better Future: 10 years Since the Great East Japan Earthquake,” will be held at the same time as the ArcDR³ Forum Vol.2. Sharing the themes of housing and community, infrastructure and memorialization with the Sendai Mirai Forum 2021, anticipated outcomes of the ArcDR³ Forum Vol.2: "Learning from Tohoku" include a statement in support of the Sendai Mirai Forum, as well as suggestions from each of the thematic sessions towards the future improvement and strengthening of the goals of the Sendai Framework for 2030.

ArcDR³ Forum Vol.2 will feature three panels:

1. HOUSING AND COMMUNITY RECOVERY

PRESENTATION: Tohoku University
PANELISTS: UC Berkeley, University of Washington, Hong Kong National University, National Cheng Kung University

2. INFRASTRUCTURE RECOVERY

PRESENTATION: Tohoku University
PANELISTS: UCLA, The University of Tokyo, Melbourne University, National University of Singapore

3. DISASTER AND MEMORIALIZATION

PRESENTATION: Tohoku University
PANELISTS: Tsinghua University, Tohoku University, Pontifical Catholic University of Chile, UCLA

Participating Universities include UC Berkeley (USA), University of Hong Kong (Hong Kong), University of Melbourne (Australia), National Cheng Kung University (Taiwan), National University of Singapore (Singapore), Pontifical Catholic University of Chile (Chile), University of Tokyo (Japan), Tohoku University (Japan), Tsinghua University (China), The University of Washington (USA) and UCLA (USA).

Learn More at xlab.aud.ucla.edu