IN-PERSON: Livable Cities – New York

Abstract

The city of Kawagoe in Japan is a unique model of urban regeneration with community-based planning methods known as Machizukuri. Machizukuri is a Japanese word for community-based city planning. This model is well known for regenerating historic districts by involving communities with a profit-based system. Kawagoe is a historic town in Saitama prefecture near Tokyo. The town is famous for its historic townhouses constructed during the Edo period. The community-based regeneration model is based on following strategies: a) making a compact, safe and beautiful town, b) economic revival of town and c) community-based companies. This model revitalized the historic city of Kawagoe in a short period of time. It involved an innovative system of community-based companies to facilitate private funds in the historic regeneration. The main street in Kawagoe is famous for its historic townhouses. It was regenerated by this model by involving the community in the regeneration process. Today, the main street is full of visitors from all over Japan. However, in Yangon, Myanmar, heritage regeneration has limited policies. The Marchant Street in Yangon is significant for its economical and heritage assets. The street is famous for many historic buildings constructed during the British period. It also has traditionally famous economic industries like gems and jewelries. But, due to lack of planning efforts and finances available for regeneration, the main street is undergoing deterioration of its historic fabric. So, the research here looks into identifying how to regenerate the historic Merchant Street in Yangon? What happens if a Kawagoe model is applied for regeneration of historic Merchant Street in Yangon? How is this model different in social and cultural context? Finally, the research looks into identifying a correct model for regeneration of Merchant Street in Yangon, Myanmar.