During the pandemic lockdown, many people across the world returned to nature, with a dramatic increase in outdoor activities such as nature walks, wildlife watching and gardening. Besides the health benefits of being in nature, the trend revealed an increasing awareness of the need for environmental sustainability and re-using, sharing or repairing resources through a circular economy across diverse populations. Now more than ever we are aware of the importance of living in harmony with the natural world. Not coincidently, in various countries, including Japan, there is growing public discourse around the role of architecture and landscape-architecture to re-evaluate traditional land-use methods, their possible applications to modern life, and efforts to support more robust biodiversity.

Talking Sustainability—Ancient Wisdom, Modern Practice invites audiences around the globe to a virtual discussion around the core issues of environmental sustainability in architecture and landscapes, drawing not only on the wisdom of the past but also showcasing how some of the time-tested traditions still inform the way that contemporary architects seek to harmonize the built and natural environments. Highlighting award-winning projects by architects Hiroshi Sambuichi and Hiroshi Nakamura, our expert speakers will explore some of the key aspects of pre-modern relationships between humans and nature in Japan, while assessing the potential impact of global connectivity in achieving a more harmonious symbiosis with nature across cultures.

Speakers
Azby Brown, author, artist, designer
Ken Tadashi Oshima, Professor of Architecture, University of Washington

Moderator
Željka Carol Kekez, urban designer

https://boxoffice.japansociety.org/events/0184d01c-2137-c2d7-af2c-14dad8f3db5c