Stadslab is involved in a series of activities with the Japanese city of Fukuoka. Fukuoka is the largest city on the southern Japanese island of Kyushu. It is a modern metropolis with good international air and sea connections. The arrival of the high-speed train in May 2011 improves the land connections between Fukuoka and the main cities on Honshu island. On a regional scale Fukuoka has the role and position of a hub. To remain competitive in an increasingly international network, the city and region have to invest in some of its main assets: an innovative and top-level business district, a modern and more seamlessly connected network of public transport modalities, enhanced connectivity between knowledge institutes and businesses, modern harbor and airport terminals and in general an attractive environment for its workforce. Many partners in the city and region will be involved in these developments. Parallel, it could inspire and help these partners if Japanese and international experts, professionals and students in urban design and urban management will develop and visualize different scenarios for Fukuoka’s future. Stadslab cooperates with local partners in the establishment of a two year program, which contains different formats for different target groups and different strategic planning levels. The results of the program will be brought together in an international publication. 

The program started with an international Expert Meeting, July 1-4, 2011 in Fukuoka.

Forthcoming activities are two Master Classes in April 2012, now open for applications!