(ECOLOGICAL PERFORMANCE) + (HUMAN MEANING) = NEW WAYS OF LIVING

Abstract

In dense urban cities, the fusion of regenerative design (defined by the Living Building Challenge) with an anthropological approach rooted in tradition, identity, and cultural narrative creates environmentally sustainable buildings and spaces of profound social and spiritual healing. This synthesis delivers a deeper, more lasting impact, redefining sustainability as a holistic human and ecological endeavor. With its dense urban fabric and existing green spaces, Shibuya presents an ideal testbed for this approach. While efforts towards greening and shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) exist, the architecture often lacks full integration of ecological performance with Japan’s cultural and spiritual traditions. Using precedent analysis, case studies, and programmatic research helps articulate a new building typology that merges regenerative and cultural anthropological principles promoting restorative coexistence, balancing biodiversity, climate resilience, and meaningful human-nature relationships. The study aims to demonstrate how architecture can evolve into a catalyst for ecological and cultural regeneration in dense urban contexts by reducing the urban heat island effect and enhancing social well-being. The goal is to propose a framework redefining sustainability as a holistic human and ecological enterprise, offering practical strategies to inspire transformative urban architecture in Tokyo and dense cities globally