Improving the Practice of Landscape Design Collaboration between University and Local Community: Case study in Matsudo, Japan

Abstract

This paper is based on the two years community-based participatory action research (CBPAR), focusing on Cross-Cultural Design Collaboration (CCDC) landscape design studio, held in Iwase Neighborhood Association area, Matsudo, Japan. We first briefly introduce the problems of Japanese local community and introduce the priorities of collaboration between university and community in Japan. Then, we introduce the Design and Build program, which was incorporated into the Chiba University CCDC studio in 2014. The authors suggest “Students live in the Neighborhood Association” model as an effective way to facilitate the collaborative programs between university and local community. We critically reflect on the process of CCDC landscape design studio held in Iwase, Matsudo city in 2017-2018. Based on that, we provide the recommendations for the implementation of interdisciplinary practical programs in Universities, so they can contribute to the quality of life of local communities utilizing the suggested model.