Tokyo: July 17th – 19th, 2009

This fantastic and contrary city has been a consistent source of inspiration to URBZ. The MASHUP organized there included participants from two Temple University Japan courses, Metropolitan Tokyo, led by Dr. Geeta Mehta and Tokyo Stories, lead by Professors Ron Carr and Irene Herrera.

The projects undertaken during the workshop included the following themes/ locations:

G-Cans: A design based exploration of Tokyo’s mysterious underground water storage facility.

Nakagin Capsule Tower: The landmark structure, which is in danger of being demolished is the subject of study.

Shimokitazawa: A continuation of the spirit of the Urban Typhoon workshop 2006, framing it as the “SOHO” of Tokyo.

Golden Gai/ Kabukicho: The post war black market district that is now famous for its bars.

Shibuya: In all its eclectism.

Nihonbashi: A design based study of Japan’s important landmark that lies buried under highways.

Mashup Partner: Temple University Japan Campus (http://www.tuj.ac.jp)

Come Re-envision Tokyo!

You are cordially invited to MASHP presentations/party at Design Festa Gallery in Harajuku on July 17th from 5:00 p.m. See map bellow:

TUJ -URBZ Mashup exhibit will continue at the Gallery till July 19th. In an interdisciplinary attempt to capture the city of Tokyo, students from two TUJ courses, Metropolitan Tokyo (lead by Prof. Geeta Mehta) and Tokyo Stories (lead by Professors Ron Carr and Irene Herrera) as well as local people and guests joined together for this MASHUP The participants explored architecture, neighborhoods and unique urban events through multi-media during the month of June, and then re-envisioned them. Teams will present videos on the mysterious underground flood water storage facility G-Cans, the endangered Nakagin Capsule Tower, Shimokitazawa’s current controversial battle, the Golden Gai district now famous for its bars, eclectic Shibuya, and Nihonbashi- the centre of Japan’s capital currently buried under highways.

Tokyo Stories is an elective course initiated by Ron Carr with the intention of motivating students to explore personal narratives of the city through visual anthropology, oral history and new media. It is now jointly taught with Irene Herrrera.

For more information please contact Irene, Ron or Geeta . We look forward to seeing you there.