On April 21, 2023, Daito Trust Construction Co., Ltd., headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, signed a joint research agreement with the Urban Engineering Laboratory of Tokyo City University. This collaboration aims to utilize residential satisfaction survey data to advance research in understanding residential comfort and safety, particularly in the context of natural disasters.
As part of its commitment to improve the quality of living for residents, Daito Trust has been conducting an annual survey called the 'Sumikokochi Survey' since 2019. This survey evaluates the livability from the residents' perspective, and Daito Trust has been generously offering the survey data for academic research purposes free of charge. Notably, previous findings from the survey have already been published in prestigious international forums. For example, a paper by Professor Yuki Akiyama from Tokyo City University titled 'Bridging the Gap Between Tsunami Risk Awareness and Physical Vulnerabilities' was accepted in the CUPUM conference proceedings, demonstrating the significance of data-driven approaches in urban disaster planning.
In his research, Professor Akiyama had initially focused on specific areas of the Pacific and Seto Inland Sea coasts, examining the gaps in tsunami risk awareness and physical vulnerabilities of the affected regions. However, with this new joint research initiative, the scope will expand across Japan, addressing not only tsunami risks but also other natural disasters, thereby enhancing the overall societal resilience to such threats.
The partnership between Daito Trust and Tokyo City University aims to contribute academically to the strengthening of community disaster response capabilities. By leveraging the extensive residential satisfaction data, the research is expected to yield valuable insights that can inform better urban planning practices to mitigate the impact of natural disasters, ensuring the safety and well-being of residents in various communities.
Daito Trust Construction aims to bridge the gap between real estate development and the evolving needs of individuals residing within its properties. The Daito Future Research Institute, established in 2018, serves as a think tank focused on researching the future of rental housing. Alongside this new collaboration, the institute has conducted one of Japan's largest residential satisfaction surveys, known as the 'Good Room Network City Livability Ranking.'
This initiative aims to promote awareness of livability standards in various cities and create a benchmark for quality living in rental housing markets. As urban areas worldwide increasingly face the challenges posed by climate change and natural disasters, emphasizing the importance of resilient and adaptive urban design is more critical than ever.
Through strategic partnerships like the one established with Tokyo City University, Daito Trust is poised to contribute significantly to the creation of safe, responsive urban spaces that are equipped to handle the realities of modern living. As the joint research progresses, it will be fascinating to observe how this collaboration will shape policies and practices in enhancing urban resilience and living standards for residents across Japan.