Nordic Talks Japan Design and Sustainability - The Function of Design in Society

31 Jan 2024, 5.00 PM

Mitigating the impacts of climate change and moving towards more sustainable societies are a challenge for every individual and every community.

Design can be a useful tool to build sustainable and inclusive societies. The Nordics have a history of using human-centric approaches in developing products, services, cities and infrastructure, which take the needs of its citizens - and the planet - into consideration. Japan also has a long tradition of production and designs that can last for a long time, which is part of what we call “sustainability” - avoidance of the depletion of natural resources in order to maintain a long-term ecological balance.

While the definition of sustainability can cover multiple solutions, concepts and meanings, it is inevitable that sustainability is a key factor of how we and the next generations live our lives. Climate and environmental impact recognise no borders – what we build and produce have an impact both inside and outside our nation.

In this Nordic Talks we welcome front runners working in architecture and design, and discuss how design can be a powerful tool in creating truly sustainable societies where the environment – and people – can flourish. 

What are the key factors for a sustainable built-in urban environment? Can beauty and sustainability co-exist? How do we tackle natural resources and materials that are unethical? How can design promote and speed up the implementation of a circular economy? What are the main obstacles when regenerating buildings and giving them new purposes? What is the role of the States in promoting sustainable architecture and design?

Taking action is to make an impact, to create a change – join us for a Nordic Talk!

The discussion will be followed by a Q&A session. We look forward to seeing you at the venue.

Welcome!

Date and place:
January 31st, 17:00-18:30 (program), 18:30-20:00 (reception)

Venue:
UNIVERSITY of CREATIVITY (〒107-6323 Tokyo, Minato City, Akasaka, 5 Chome−3−1,Akasaka Biz Tower 23F)
*Physical participation will be invitation only

Speakers:

Jo Nagasaka, Principal, Schemata Architects
Ole Rune, Architect /Designer, Claesson Koivisto Rune (CKR)
Freja Ståhlberg-Aalto, Dr Sc. (Arch), Architect SAFA, JKMM Architects

Moderator:

Hisashi Ikai, Editor/Journalist

Program:

16:30    Doors Open
17:00    Opening, Welcome greeting by Ambassador from Denmark to Japan H.E. Peter Taksøe-Jensen
17:10    Panel discussion
17:45    Q&A
18:25    Closing remarks by Ambassador from Sweden to Japan H.E. Pereric Högberg
18:30    End of streaming, reception (~20:00)

Organizers:

Embassy of Denmark in Tokyo, Embassy of Finland in Tokyo, Embassy of Iceland in Tokyo, Embassy of Norway in Tokyo, Embassy of Sweden in Tokyo, Finnish Institute in Japan, UNIVERSITY of CREATIVITY, Nordic Innovation House Tokyo

Other:

The event will be held in English with English-Japanese simultaneous interpretation, recorded, and made publicly available.　
For any inquiries, please contact tokyo(a)nordicinnovationhouse.com


Registration:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_96qfgZRCSQWFDmpEmg0AFg#/registration