Landscape Policy Studies | Study the nature of amenity space and landscape

We study environmental policies from the landscaping perspective to create a rich environment abundant with nature. We aim to investigate and study specific policies related to the truly ideal environment and landscape for humans, to reflect our relationship with nature, land, and landscape. On the basic subjects of Principles of Landscape Architecture and History of Landscaping, we look at social science perspectives such as the theories of amenity, scenery and green policies, and seek to understand the human relationship with nature.

Garden Design | Look at a familiar environment from a gardening perspective

"Garden" originally means to introduce natural grass, flowers, trees, soil, water into a familiar space, and to construct a more human-like lifestyle. Our laboratory explores the ways for future garden design: (1) in the scope of "Garden Studies", by finding a suitable living environment for a modern lifestyle by considering people's needs and by approaching the principles of garden structures through field investigation work; (2) in the scope of “History of Landscaping,” by learning the forms, patterns, and history of gardens worldwide, each of which reflects the climate, land, and environment; and (3) in the scope of “Theories of Garden Design” from a designing point of view by studying the techniques and vocabulary of garden design and gardens, and other types of landscapes.

Urban Open Space Planning | Challenging environmental planning to vitalize the nature of parks and open spaces

We approach the creation of the urban environment from the perspectives of park and open space planning and environmental management planning. To realize a city where nature and humans can coexist, we work on the basic theories, namely, the theory of and open space efficacies, the park and open space theory, the regional environment management theory, and planning techniques. Our research topics include studies on planning, schemes and technologies for conservation, utilization and restoration of park and open spaces in urban and rural areas, studies on open space environment assessment and planning methodologies using remote sensing and GIS technologies, studies on park and recreational planning and methods of management and operation, and studies on methods to create a residential environment rich in parks and open spaces.

Landscape Design | What type of environmental design can people most identify with? From the design concept to the skills

We approach environmental design from a landscape perspective. A design everyone can identify with has a certain sense of time/age and place/location. Our activities range from designing individual spaces such as parks, plazas, streets, and waterfronts to creating regional environments such as urban and rural areas where all the individual spaces amalgamate. We are eager to take initiatives including the introduction and testing of the latest techniques based on scientific design methods, simulation and analysis methods, and practical aspects of design work, etc.

Natural Environment Conservation Studies | Conserve and restore the natural environment and landscape from world heritage sites and national parks to cultural/agricultural landscape!

Taking an approach from the perspective of the art of planning as well as conservation of the natural environment, we examine the value of natural environments and landscapes such as the suburban natural environment, cultural landscape resources in rural areas like coppice woods, natural parks such as the national parks, and wilderness areas registered as world heritage sites. We then devise conservation measures and study the way and methods with which to deploy them. Hands-on fieldwork is our basic tool of action, and subjects of our research include the structure of people’s recognition of natural environment and landscapes, natural environment management and its operational methods, natural environment protection movements such as environment NPOs, and effects of environmental user education such as the interpretation and provision of educational software.

Tourism and Recreational Studies | Creating an attractive tourism area and investigating methods and effect of its use

Tourism and resort areas have a comprehensive range of functions: the natural environment as the foundation; the outdoor recreational facilities; and the recreational activities as well as rural planning and regional economic activities, etc. We investigate the ways in which to develop and improve resources and facilities through attractive natural scenery, cultural landscape and hot spring baths, methods of instruction and operation of recreational, sports, and other programs in the area, and various benefits the users may receive, all from a landscape architectural perspective.