#Japan #Pacific Consultants #Fukushima #Good Design Award #Disaster Housing

Overview of the Station West Housing Project

The Station West Housing Project, located in the designated specific recovery and revitalization base area of the Fukushima Prefecture’s Futaba Town, has been honored with the 2025 Good Design Award. Designed by Pacific Consultants Co. Ltd., this initiative aims to provide a place for both returnees and newcomers in a region affected by the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant disaster.

This project includes 86 public housing units composed of disaster public housing and reconstructed rental units. Its design focuses on creating a welcoming and integrative environment through features like a traditional earthen floor entrance and a spacious outdoor area seamlessly connected to the residences. This thoughtfulness aims to cultivate a sense of community and aid in the reintegration of residents into their neighborhoods.

Key Design Elements

1. Foundation for a New Future: Positioned as a base camp for revitalization, the design facilitates new beginnings for the residents of Futaba Town.
2. Encouragement of Natural Interaction: The project features ambiguous intermediate spaces that promote informal social interactions among residents.
3. Creating Home-like Landscapes: Nestled within the valley's topography, the design aspires to recreate a nostalgic sense of home, bringing forth familiar landscapes.

The Good Design Award committee praised the project for its thoughtful approach to addressing the needs of those living in an area rendered difficult due to the nuclear disaster. The configuration and architectural forms of the houses demonstrate the potential for a community where residents can share support and live harmoniously. The project reflects modern concepts of community living while incorporating elements that harmonize with the valley's natural contours, resulting in a landscape that feels both new and nostalgically familiar.

About Pacific Consultants Co. Ltd.

Since its founding in 1951, Pacific Consultants has established itself as a leading construction consultancy. The company has been extensively involved in the planning, design, and operation of social infrastructure projects, including urban planning, architecture, railways, roads, airports, maritime operations, rivers, and water systems throughout Japan and globally. Pacific Consultants is driven by its vision of "producing the future" and aims to provide fresh values that contribute to a sustainable society in which everyone can live with peace of mind.

Company Details

• - Name: Pacific Consultants Co. Ltd.
• - Address: 3-22, Kanda Nishikicho 3-chome, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-8462, Japan
• - CEO: Shu Ohmoto, Representative Director and Executive Officer
• - Official Website: Pacific Consultants

In summary, the Station West Housing Project embodies a significant step towards rebuilding lives and communities in Futaba, merging practicality with deep respect for the region’s cultural and historical context. It is a prime example of how design can play a crucial role in recovery and communal living.