Mobile Off-grid Architecture. A potential tool for the resilience of rural communities in the event of natural disasters

Authors

  • Shota Tajima Chiba University (Japan)
  • Satoko Nasu Chiba University (Japan)

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.19229/2464-9309/8112020

Keywords:

off-grid architecture, community resilience, energy efficiency, regional revitalization, design thinking

Abstract

The paper illustrates a study conducted for the town of Nagara in Japan to test the use of mobile off-grid architecture (MOA) in support of the resilience that rural communities are expected to acquire by 2050. In order to cope with the effects of climate change that have severely affected human lives and natural ecosystems, to counter population ageing, migration to larger urban centres and the inefficiency of outdated infrastructure, Japan’s rural areas need to increase their resilience to ensure human continuity in their territories. In this context, the authors propose a MOA solution developed on the basis of literature review and a questionnaire to manufactures and local government, using a deductive approach to determine its feasibility. The results of the experimental project suggest that the MOA could be used for various purposes, including social education and rural community development, although the feasibility has yet to be confirmed in relation to the critical issues represented by the weight and cost of mobile architecture.

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Author Biographies

Shota Tajima, Chiba University (Japan)

PhD, he is a Full Assistant Professor at the Graduate School of Global and Transdisciplinary Studies. He participated in the Solar Decathlon 2012 and 2014 as the Japan Team Leader. His research interest is sustainable development of rural areas. He is also a regional revitalization Advisor in Nagara.
E-mail: shota.tajima@chiba-u.jp

Satoko Nasu, Chiba University (Japan)

PhD Candidate at the Department of Urban Environment Systems. During graduate school, she participated in the Solar Decathlon 2012 and 2014 as a Member of the Japan Team and managed the team’s electrical energy system. Her research interests include energy balance between housing and rural communities.
E-mail: nasusa@graduate.chiba-u.jp

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Conceptual image of EcoCabin (credit: S. Tajima, 2020). AGATHÓN 08 | 2020

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Published

27-12-2020

How to Cite

Tajima, S. and Nasu, S. (2020) “Mobile Off-grid Architecture. A potential tool for the resilience of rural communities in the event of natural disasters”, AGATHÓN | International Journal of Architecture, Art and Design, 8(online), pp. 118–127. doi: 10.19229/2464-9309/8112020.