Nature's Wild Expansion
Nature's Wild Expansion
Lacation
Bunsen Park is situated midway between Kameido Station and Kinshicho Station on the JR Kameido Line. Despite being in the heart of the city, it is removed from major transportation hubs, making it a quiet area with a traditional townscape that still lingers.
The surrounding area includes residential neighborhoods, schools, supermarkets, and hospitals, catering to a diverse age group of residents.
Key Points
The park is located along a railway line. Within its clearly defined and orderly layout, elements such as road boundaries, iron fences, stones, construction sites, and overgrown weeds introduce a notable degree of disorder.
By embracing the natural growth of such urban chaos, a near-wilderness-like naturalistic planting system is implemented. This system allows for the creation of park areas that align with the block’s functions while requiring minimal short-term maintenance.
Smoothing the Space
Coupled with a large-scale planting system akin to wilderness naturalism, the organization of pathways and edges opens up boundaries. This breaks through the highly enclosed borders of the park, creating a connection between blocks.
Plan
Mixed Cultivation
A diverse range of plants is integrated, with research conducted on modular plant species selected for mixed use. These pre-designed planting modules can be cultivated across wide areas and in different scenarios.
For instance, pocket parks near hospitals could feature plants like lavender and camellias, known for their calming effects. Near markets, plantings could be selected to create a lively atmosphere, incorporating edible or food-related plants. Adjacent to schoolyards, plants emitting pleasant fragrances and attracting rare pollinators can be introduced.
Planting Modules-1
Improvement Plan
The park adjacent to the elementary school will undergo renovations, including the addition of a new entrance connecting to the hospital’s pocket park, complementing the existing three entrances. Surrounding shrubs and overgrown vegetation will be trimmed to create a more open and accessible space.
Participating in the Ecosystem
Herbaceous plants that attract rare pollinators will be introduced, such as silk trees (Albizia julibrissin) and blue ash trees (Fraxinus quadrangulata), which appeal to butterflies and moths. These plants provide students with accessible materials for nature education, fostering their interest in the natural world and ecosystems.
Additionally, as the ecosystem in this area thrives, it is anticipated that more people will engage with and visit this space, further enhancing its role as a hub for ecological awareness and community participation.
Planting Modules-2
Improvement Plan
A slender pocket park will be formed to connect the residential area and the hospital grounds. By using plantings to divide the two spaces, the park will serve both the hospital and the residential area simultaneously. A dynamic diagonal line will be introduced to visually link the two spaces while maintaining a sense of distance.
The planting area will feature herbaceous plants with calming effects, designed to soothe and relax the mind, creating a tranquil environment for both residents and hospital visitors.
A Soothing Daily Life
Seeking the positive effects of natural environments on health, plants like lavender, tea tree, and mint will be incorporated into the area's planting system. These additions encourage people to walk through the area, sit down, and relax, allowing them to experience nature through all five senses.
This daily interaction with nature can uplift moods and improve overall well-being, acting as a form of natural therapy for the community.