Voluntary Architects’ Network + Shigeru Ban Architects inspected evacuation centers and proposed the construction of a paper log house as a response to the earthquake that struck the Noto region on May 5, 2023.
June 3rd – 4th, 2023 Construction of a paper log house
Visited a residence in the Shosoin district that is scheduled for demolition. The main house is 80 years old, with a number of additions, and was decided to be demolished due to the extensive damage caused by the recent earthquake. Since the current water supply, including toilets, could be used, we proposed the construction of one paper log house constructed in Turkey in the yard in front of the house. On the other hand, we also learned that people continue to live in houses that have been assessed as dangerous, and that many buildings, even if they have not collapsed, have sustained significant structural damage and are being demolished.
The students from Kanazawa Institute of Technology, Shibaura Institute of Technology,and Keio University SFC participated in the construction from June 3rd to 4th. The paper log house constructed for 13 hours.
2023/5/1
May 16, 2023 Inspection of the Shelter
6 避難所の視察
We met with Mr. Izumiya, Mayor of Suzu City, at the Suzu Municipal Shoin Community Center, which serves as an evacuation center. A paper partition system (Paper Partition System) has been installed here. Until recently, a nearby elementary school had been used as an evacuation center and one-touch tents had been installed, but the tents felt cramped due to the close ceilings. The mayor said that they will start considering temporary housing, but there are concerns about whether the transition to temporary housing will be successful, as few survivors are willing to leave their current homes.
May 16, 2023 Inspection of the damage
On May 16, we made an inspection tour to Suzu City, which was damaged by the earthquake.
In the district of Shoin Town, several buildings were found to be completely destroyed.
On the other hand, we also learned that people continue to live in houses that have been assessed as dangerous, and that many buildings, even if they have not collapsed, have sustained significant structural damage and are being demolished.
All photos by Voluntary Architects’ Network
