Water Seeds―a new platform for climate action on a river

Historically, rivers have supported the economies, livelihoods, and cultures of cities located at their mouths. For example, during the 17th-18th century, the Sumida River, which runs through the eastern part of Tokyo, played an important role in the transportation of lumber and other logistics. In addition, the river was also a place for recreational activities such as boating and fireworks, making it a familiar environment for the people. However, with the shift in logistics to land transportation, the river became less connected to the urban economy, and the affinity between the river and people was lost when strong levees were built to control floods.

The river is an underutilized public space in the city, a mother of local culture and a barometer of climate change. We see the urban river as a museum. A group of small-sized floating architectures will be moored on the water to be used as a stage for exhibitions, performances and dialogues. These programs would be run democratically with public participation. In this way, we hope to promote citizens' understanding and imagination about the history and future of the river and the city, and to provoke positive climate action.

We name this museum Water Seeds.

Project Team

The Water Seeds-Sumida River Design Collective

Project Name

Water Seeds―a new platform for climate action on a river

Team Location

Japan, Tokyo

Category

Architecture & Design