Tackling mosquitoes across the urban landscape
Here’s one of the wishes shared by visitors at the University of Tokyo Komaba Research Campus Open House and the Kashiwa Campus Open House — along with a comment from a researcher at UTokyo-IIS.
I want a mosquito repellent spray that makes me completely bite-proof!
While it may not be a direct technological approach, it is possible to explore solutions through an interest in “cities that coexist with nature” and the “reconstruction of materials and environments.”
For example, by designing micro airflows and vegetation placement throughout the city in a way that harmonizes with nature, it may be possible to use natural wind to prevent mosquitoes from entering. Additionally, developing “functional materials” that incorporate naturally derived insect-repellent components into building materials, or redesigning urban puddles and wetlands―mosquito breeding grounds―as “landscape resources” to build ecosystems that are less conducive to mosquito proliferation, are also conceivable solutions.
Associate Professor Yoshiyuki Kawazoe
Among several Open House events held by the University of Tokyo each year, UTokyo-IIS takes part in two: the Komaba Research Campus Open House in early June and the Kashiwa Campus Open House in late October.
At both events, the Public Relations Office of UTokyo-IIS presents a special installation that brings together two perspectives: the “possible futures” envisioned by researchers, and the hopes and ideas shared by visitors.
This article features a visitor’s wish as a starting point, followed by reflections from a researcher.
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