Inspiring Youth to an Eco-Friendly Future in Japan

摘要

In an era of increasing awareness of climate issues, it's become common to see new libraries, schools and other public buildings built on solar and efficiency principles. But buildings housing social services are an exception: They rarely use solar energy and other energy-efficient features. Whether due to limited finances or poor imagination, social services facilities tend to be institutional and uninspiring. rnRecently, while visiting Japan, we discovered a few social services facilities using progressive design (see "Satonokaze: Solar Meets Social Design in Japan," March/April 2008). The Aozora (Blue Skies) Children's Home, designed by Satonokaze architect Seiji Nii, includes several imaginative design features that improve energy efficiency while adding to the comfort and utility of the building. Located in Osaka Prefecture (population 8.8 million), Aozora provides residential care services to 66 children, from toddlers through high school age, who seek refuge from troubled home environments.