Focal Point Areas identified;
focused on four project groups with six project areas

In 2011, the research team concentrated on regional surveys in twelve of the total 20 UR – Project Areas of the Kansai Metropolitan region with a closer examination of six project areas, divided in four thematic groups regarding the international, regional or local impact and location within the metropolitan area. The project groups reflect the diversity of the UR locations and projects. On the other hand, they cover the main region- and citywide centralization areas.

The first project group drives attention to Projects in the Ôsaka’s six central wards, which are immediately connected functionally und strategically. The second Group comprehends New City Center Projects in the Harbour Area at the land reclamation bed, such as Ôsaka Cosmosquare and Kôbe Port Island. In a third group, conversion and regeneration projects of former industrial Harbour Areas are accumulated. They include waste land conversions at the seashore, infrastructure and green space projects in the vicinity of Sakai and Amagasaki City. A fourth Group summarizes projects of strengthening city centers of important regional traffic hubs, including the renaissance of the Modern Era Subcenter of Senri New Town.

During a research trip to Japan in autumn 2011, more than 30 interviews with local, regional and national stakeholders of the whole scope of Urban Renaissance law genesis and project implementation. In addition, secondary data research has been undertaken.

Selected intermediate results have been presented at the AAG 2012 Conference in New York and will be presented in Ankara Aesop Conference in July 2012.