Project
Inaka Resurgence: Utopia from Reconciliation
Skills: MidJourney, Topaz Gigapixel AI, Photoshop, Lightroom
Currently, Japan is struggling with the looming economic and social implications of a rapidly aging population. Urban centers across its islands continue to gentrify and appeal to younger generations, resulting in the abandonment of rural regions ('inaka') to the hands of the elderly. Given this population crisis that compounds into imbalances in age distribution and urban transformation, the project ‘Inaka Resurgence’ harnesses the power of artificial intelligence to reimagine a sustainable future for Japan’s youth and elderly. Hence, we respond to the following question: How do you revitalize an area facing a rapidly aging population and a diminishing cultural presence?
Exterior View
Interior View
This utopian project finds itself along the vibrant coast of Nago, Okinawa, recognized for its historic agricultural industry and traditional artistic practices. Inaka Resurgence maintains the surrounding landscape and iconic structural elements that allude to Okinawan temples. Meanwhile, biophilic design elements enable the built spaces to seamlessly integrate with the natural environment. The sensible combination of preservation and sustainability translates into a sensational future for the local population.
A lobby
A cafe
A studio
Inspired by Japanese wood carving, the interior spaces demonstrate the advanced possibilities of timber to produce intricate structural systems derived from parametric processes. Beautiful patterns emerge throughout different spaces that combine with natural lighting to accentuate the natural elegance of wood.
An exhibition hall
A textile shopfront
A courtyard
The vision of designing a utopian society encapsulates the need to understand the site context and identify prevailing challenges. Inaka Resurgence proves that AI tools facilitate this process of blending social, cultural, and environmental factors into a single immersive design. Team members: Young Hoon Cho, Isha Sharma, Ambareen Fatima, Kyla Tang, Brian Lee, and Mihir Agarwal.
Young Hoon Cho
More by Young Hoon Cho
View profile
Arch Hive