Designer(s): Nadia Kasko

In Northern Japan, where the rugged coast meets pristine beaches, the town of Ishinomaki has long enjoyed the beauty of the surrounding sea. But benefit rarely comes without hazard and Ishinomaki was severely damaged by Tsunami.
The foundation of this rebuilding process will need to balance four primary goals: 1) tsunami-resistance, 2) sustainability, 3) economic revitalization and 4) social community.
The most important factor in designing a tsunami-resistant city is safety. With this prime directive, the concept of “using nature to protect from nature” has evolved. Since there is no singular system that can adequately protect the community from a tsunami, a “multi-buffer system” is necessary. Multi-buffer system provides friction for the wave to pass through. The more friction the wave encounters, the more of its energy will be dissipated over a particular distance. These seven buffers include: 1) restoration of the previously existing sand dune and associated tsunami-resistant vegetation, 2) restoration of a high-friction water edge, 3) creation of a canal (parallel to an incoming wave), 4) creation of an undulating and terracing seaside park, 5) elevation of 6-9 meters of the new development site, 6) radiation of the new urban plan to avoid direct penetration of the incoming wave and 7) creation of “green fingers” to provide for rapid evacuation routes.
This new sustainable community will be energy efficient, have its own district energy distribution center with CHP Component and allow for elimination of nuclear energy dependence. The eco-district will be one where inhabitants and visitors not only see the landscape, but also “taste” the landscape. Adjacent gardens will allow local restaurants to grow their own vegetables. Both visitors and locals will be able to enjoy the memorial park. The water treatment facility will be rebuilt with Membrane BioReactor technology and seamlessly integrated into the park.