Towards a New Society Brought About by the Coronavirus: The Importance of People and Nature
Beyond COVID-19 Editorial Committee Chair
Chairman, Nikken Sekkei Research Institute
Fumio Nohara
(Titles are as of the time of publication)
Chairman, Nikken Sekkei Research Institute
Fumio Nohara
(Titles are as of the time of publication)
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The aim of this project is to connect what we have learned from COVID-19 to new urban planning, architecture, and environmental design. You will surely gain many insights from the 19 contributed articles (visions) and the three roundtable discussions with guest speakers.
Beyond COVID-19 Editorial Committee Chair
Chairman, Nikken Sekkei Research Institute
Fumio Nohara
(Titles are as of the time of publication)
From 19 Visions
Chairman Starting with Tadao Kamei (President and CEO at the time), we presented a total of 19 visions from leaders in various fields, representatives of representative offices in Europe, China, and the Middle East, as well as from Nikken Space Design, Nikken Housing Systems, and Nikken Sekkei Construction Management (President and CEO).
Many of these perspectives viewed the COVID-19 pandemic as an opportunity, discussing the necessity and direction of the transition to a “new society,” while also outlining strategies for preparing for an era of uncertainty. In addition to providing insights into the global situation from overseas, this series served as a valuable opportunity to learn about the history of infectious diseases, as well as differences in culture and systems.
I believe the keys to exploring the post-COVID era are hidden within these visions. Examples include “from close to open,” “the 30-minute metropolitan area,” “wellness,” “off-peak,” “concentration and dispersion,” and “compound disasters.”What particularly struck me was the proposal—based on a biologist’s statement that “viruses serve to maintain the dynamic equilibrium of living systems”—that we should aim for “Four-Way Benefit” by adding “environment (nature)” to the Omi merchants’ principle of “Three-Way Benefit.”Even before the pandemic, we were already living in a rapidly changing society marked by trends such as DX (digital transformation) and decarbonization, and we had undoubtedly been experiencing accelerating change firsthand; however, the pandemic has prompted us to rethink these issues anew.
Many of these perspectives viewed the COVID-19 pandemic as an opportunity, discussing the necessity and direction of the transition to a “new society,” while also outlining strategies for preparing for an era of uncertainty. In addition to providing insights into the global situation from overseas, this series served as a valuable opportunity to learn about the history of infectious diseases, as well as differences in culture and systems.
I believe the keys to exploring the post-COVID era are hidden within these visions. Examples include “from close to open,” “the 30-minute metropolitan area,” “wellness,” “off-peak,” “concentration and dispersion,” and “compound disasters.”What particularly struck me was the proposal—based on a biologist’s statement that “viruses serve to maintain the dynamic equilibrium of living systems”—that we should aim for “Four-Way Benefit” by adding “environment (nature)” to the Omi merchants’ principle of “Three-Way Benefit.”Even before the pandemic, we were already living in a rapidly changing society marked by trends such as DX (digital transformation) and decarbonization, and we had undoubtedly been experiencing accelerating change firsthand; however, the pandemic has prompted us to rethink these issues anew.
From the roundtable discussion project
We thought that hearing from experts outside our own fields of expertise might provide clues to a "new society." This led us to organize this roundtable discussion. Looking ahead to the post-COVID era, the themes were "entertainment," "DX (digital transformation)," and "regional revitalization." Fortunately, we were able to invite guests perfectly suited to each theme.
During the discussion, points such as "a leap in thinking is necessary to lead the next generation" and "regional revitalization is not about giving from the outside, but about finding and nurturing what is already within" were made and have remained firmly in my memory. I was also given a lot to think about regarding "the role of spaces in the post-COVID era." The roundtable discussion is only about 10 to 20 minutes long, so if you haven't seen it yet, please do check it out.
Beyond COVID-19 Special Talk
During the discussion, points such as "a leap in thinking is necessary to lead the next generation" and "regional revitalization is not about giving from the outside, but about finding and nurturing what is already within" were made and have remained firmly in my memory. I was also given a lot to think about regarding "the role of spaces in the post-COVID era." The roundtable discussion is only about 10 to 20 minutes long, so if you haven't seen it yet, please do check it out.
Beyond COVID-19 Special Talk
Things to cherish in the "new society"
Exactly 10 years ago, having experienced the Great East Japan Earthquake, we became aware of the vulnerabilities in our energy infrastructure and supply chains, and have been working to transform them. Meanwhile, Nikken Sekkei has developed the "Evacuation Map." This initiative continues nationwide and we believe it will save many lives from potential tsunami disasters in the future.
The world, including Japan, which has experienced COVID-19, is sure to accelerate major transformations, including digital transformation (DX). We too will be swept up in the whirlwind of change, but at the same time, I believe it is essential that we do not lose sight of irreplaceable things such as people and nature, like a "safety map."
Escape Map
The world, including Japan, which has experienced COVID-19, is sure to accelerate major transformations, including digital transformation (DX). We too will be swept up in the whirlwind of change, but at the same time, I believe it is essential that we do not lose sight of irreplaceable things such as people and nature, like a "safety map."
Escape Map
This marks the end of this project for now, but we feel it's necessary to continue sharing this kind of information. We would appreciate your continued support. Thank you very much. (January 29, 2021)
* "Beyond Covid-19: Society, Cities, and Architecture" is a series. Going forward, architects, planners, engineers, consultants, and others will regularly share their visions from their respective professional perspectives.
