Design process of ruins of the Great East Japan Earthquake: Nakahama Elementary School

Abstract

PurposeThis study clarifies the design process for preserving and opening Nakahama Elementary School, damaged in the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, to the public in 2020 as a museum facility that allows visitors to view the interior and learn about what was experienced here on March 11, 2011.Design/methodology/approachThere are several unique aspects of the processes for preserving Nakahama Elementary School and the design for reopening it as a disaster ruins and museum facility. This paper explains the significances of the processes and results and provides detailed insights from involvement in the design process and includes a detailed chronology of the process. It also deals with important questions raised regarding the preservation of disaster remains and what lessons should be conveyed to visitors based on the reality of the disaster experience on this site.FindingsOver 10 years, storytelling, committee recommendations, a master plan, regulations and renovation design were developed through a layered, step-by-step process to determine the meaning of the ruins. Rather than emphasizing earthquake threats or reconstruction achievements, it was important to understand the latent meaning of the site through stakeholder discussions, capture details of the disaster experience for visitors to relive and express the region’s unique disaster culture.Originality/valueThis original case study comprehensively describes administrative procedures and community relationships in preserving and utilizing disaster remains. As the author served on the initial study committee and continued to be responsible for the basic planning, architectural renovation design, exhibition planning and actual production of the guidebooks, the paper presents rare insights from the real experience of practical involvement in the planning and design process of the preservation of this heritage site.