Shibuya Gawa Monster - Empathische Fluss-Transformation

The Shibuya River originates right in the heart of Tokyo. The river once opened new possibilities for communication and trade in the valley and provided the basis for a rich biodiversity. Rapid urbanization and industrialization resulted in increasing environmental and health-related concerns and a sharp decline of the quality of life. As a result, large parts of the Shibuya River were moved underground, causing the ecosystem to disappear from the face of the city. Since then, all natural, technological, and social potentials remain untapped.

In August 2022, a series of events takes place in Shibuya to rediscover and activate the hidden potentials through a holistic and respectful approach. Starting with a workshop from August 1 to 10, students from Japan and Europe are invited to develop ideas for an empathic transformation of the river based on various input sessions. The results will serve as a basis for an open discussion with experts, as well as city officials. A symposium will be held at Aoyama Gakuin University on August 11 as part of this effort.

At the same time, all findings will be collected and mapped in a public exhibition.