From Cultural Roots to Sustainable Urbanism: A Critique of Machizukuri Development and Mechanisms in Japan
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Abstract
This research aims to study and synthesize the development of the "Machizukuri" concept from the past to the present, and to suggest guidelines for developing a sustainable conceptual framework to address social and environmental crises in the 21st century, using documentary research methodology. The study reveals that the foundations of Machizukuri are embedded in the city's historical urban fabric, which emphasized spatial relationships of "Cho" and social units of "Chonaikai," shaped through cultural mechanisms and self-management for coping with disasters, as well as architectural preservation work. However, Machizukuri is currently facing new challenges, including global warming, an aging society, and the problem of empty housing (Akiya). This article therefore argues a transition from focusing solely on physical and aesthetic dimensions to deep participation and collaborative policy development, the focus is on integrating digital technology and the concept of resilient cities to create practical approaches from lessons learned, applicable to both Japanese and Southeast Asian urban contexts.
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References
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