2020 Volume 72 Issue 4 Pages 383-401
While there is renewed population growth in the inner city, the declining population in aging suburban housing complexes is prominent. The conventional urban spatial structure is changing, and a new kind of social polarization is emerging in urban areas. Consequently, it is important to unravel the modern history of the suburban housing complex in its early days of development, while the problem of the suburban housing complex is under scrutiny. Therefore, this study assessed the “initial shortcomings” that emerged during the early stages of land preparation for the establishment of large-scale housing estates, and reviews how the residents overcame these shortcomings. Izumigaoka District in Senboku New Town, Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture, was selected as the primary site of research. Accordingly, the following two research questions were considered: As the residents resolve “initial shortcomings,” what impact does the planned built environment of the new town have on its residents?; and What types of residents act proactively to resolve the problems? During the early stage of land preparation for Senboku New Town, many “initial shortcomings” became apparent because Sakai City, which was responsible for the infrastructure provision, fell short of funds. Residents living in this prefectural housing estate during the early stages of land preparation, voiced their dissatisfaction at a neighborhood center or an assembly hall. As a result of their shared deliberations, the residents overcame the issue by forming residents’ organizations, such as neighborhood associations and interest groups, which acted independently, or through residents’ movements to demand infrastructural development from the regional government. The results also indicated that residents with earnest desires prioritized issues related to transportation and nursery schools.
