To
Inspire Students in Participatory Community Design: A Case Study
from Ohnogawa Greenway Rehabilitation Proposal |
| The Ohno River was once a free-flowing canal used for transportation, fishing and recreation, and it is still remembered by residents. The river was under-grounded in the 70’s and the site was converted to a bicycle road. Thirty years later, now called Ohno River Greenway, it is heavily used by residents for commuting and recreation. Lately, because of the green amenity it provides, the greenway has attracted infill high-density residential development. Rehabilitation of the Ohno River Greenway by reintroducing native habitat and improving amenities was a major part of the master plan. The Greenway began to show overgrowth of vegetation, and wear and tear from heavy use. The new awareness by the residents on the value of the greenway environment has spotlighted an urgent need to adapt the plan to today’s conditions and implement the adaptation promptly. An intensive two-week period was used by the ALPHA students assisted by their instructors to examine available resources of the site, to meet and discuss with the client and the residents, and to produce proposals to be used as an advocacy tool in future discussions with the owner and manager of the Greenway: Osaka City Public Works. The project awaits the next step, preparation and presentation of the proposals to the public agency for discussion and adoption. The students had an invaluable experience through this project and learned the importance of communication with the public, clients and design team members. |