Daiki Mabuchi

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Transformation of Urban River Public Space in Tokyo 

While the Tokyo metropolitan government has made efforts to improve the river space environment since 1980, such as creating a river terrace or transforming the flood wall into dike-type protection, these measures have limitations regarding the construction conditions. Even now, many river spaces remain underutilised due to the flood wall. In the near future, I think Tokyo’s high-density urban environment will require a new method of flood protection that offers the quality of public spaces.   

The main goal of this project is to reconnect people to the river by enhancing the accessibility and quality of the river space. The project consists of three different approaches. The first approach is connecting the city fabric to the river through walkable streets, allowing people to reach the river space from the inner city more smoothly. The second approach is integrating important public spaces into the river space, such as parks or major spots around the river. The third approach is creating new river spaces as continuous public spaces along the river with identities considering the surrounding urban context and the river landscape.    

Based on the Sumida River, these designs seamlessly connect and form a new urban public spaces network that makes the river a focal point of the city again. Those new river spaces contribute to enhancing the quality of life in Tokyo by providing essential elements such as fresh air, panoramic views, greenery, and relief from urban heat. Eventually, they serve as a refuge from the hectic urban lifestyle in Tokyo. 

Graduation date: 16 November 2023 
Graduation committee: Marieke Timmermans (mentor), Yttje Feddes, Hiroki Matsuura en Yuka Yoshida (expert)   
Additional members for the exam: Jana Crepon, Philippe Allignet