Building a Community with Nature: Enno-Mori School
In the heart of Itabashi Ward, a visionary project aims to transform the area around Itabashi Station's west exit into a vibrant community space known as "Enno-Mori." This initiative seeks to preserve its historical roots as a post town while fostering connections among residents through environmental harmony. With plans for renovations around the station expected in the next few years, Itabashi Ward is keen on involving diverse voices in the urban development process.
In line with this goal,
Enno-Mori School will host a workshop and lecture event on
May 25, 2025, from
1 PM to 5 PM at the Shimo-Itabashi Station Community Center. The event aims to educate and engage residents and visitors about the ongoing Enno-Mori Project, which focuses on creating connections among people and nurturing a sense of community.
Event Schedule:
1. Community Building Lecture: "Connecting Through Design"
Time: 1 PM – 2:35 PM
Overview: The lecture will feature a presentation by
Ryuichi Watanabe, the lead designer of the Enno-Mori community space. Watanabe will elaborate on the project's outline and share examples from other community designs implemented both within and outside the ward, such as in
Kamitatashi and
Dejima in Nagasaki.
Participants can expect a 60-minute presentation followed by a 30-minute Q&A session.
2. Urban Nature Walk and Workshop
Time: 3 PM – 5 PM
Overview: During this hands-on workshop, attendees will explore the greenery around Itabashi Station’s west exit. Participants will gather various natural elements and then use their findings to create decorative items like swags. The community center will provide all necessary materials, ensuring everyone can participate freely without the need to bring additional items.
Note: Attendees with children under elementary school age must be accompanied by an adult.
How to Participate:
The
Enno-Mori School welcomes participants of all ages, making it a fantastic opportunity to connect with your community and discuss urban development. The
registration period is from
April 28 to
May 16. There are limited spots available:
- - Community Building Lecture: 50 participants (free of charge)
- - Nature Walk Workshop: 15 participants (300 yen)
Due to limited availability, registration will be conducted via a lottery if demand exceeds the number of spots.
The aim of this event is not only to educate but also to make urban development relatable and to promote ongoing discussions on how to sustain and utilize the Enno-Mori space post-completion.
Future Events:
The Enno-Mori School will continue to hold similar workshops and lectures about community development and environmental engagement on a bi-monthly basis. Through these initiatives, we hope to cultivate a deep and lasting community spirit that thrives within our urban surroundings.
Join us for a day filled with learning, exploration, and community connection as we work together to build a greener, more unified future for Itabashi!