Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
Table 20.5
SCA for the ecological focus (South)
SWOT
Ecological focus
O
T
S
Strengths
Large Campus
3
6
Green areas, trees, lawns and flowers
3
8
Nature and landscape
3
10
Farm and poplar avenue
5
6
Visual—Green areas
3
10
Weaknesses
Large energy consumption
3
8
Lack of control on energy consumption
3
9
Lack of control on heating system
3
8
Opportunities
Increment the use of renewable energy
5
Cultivation and consumption of vegetables
6
Strategies
Preservation of green area
24
Maintaining beautiful campus
24
Waste-free heating system
13
Increase sustainable technology in every sector
12
Utilizing renewable energy
5
Despite the quiet atmosphere of the campus (very close to the busy centre of the
city), the existence of important elements referring to the history of the University
and the availability of some places to meet and communicate, the lack of spaces for
social interaction (including coffee-shops, bars, or social dinning) was mentioned
as a weak point related to the Experiential Profile (see Table
20.7
in the Annex).
The main strategic idea proposed was the implementation of new places for these
purposes (including sports, culture or cafes) but the national laws preventing the
consumption of alcoholic beverages by people below 20 years old was faced as an
obstacle to the implementation of bars inside the campus. The principles defined in
the Master Plan emphasize the importance of planning empty spaces in order to
provide satisfactory experiences to the users of the campus and to increase social
interaction.
The issues related to the existence of public spaces (mentioned as a strong point
but also as a strategic aspect to be developed) or to the historical aspects of the
University (simultaneously mentioned as a strong factor—when it is exposed—and
as a weak factor—when there is lack of information) were considered important for
the Collaborative Profile (see Table
20.8
in the Annex). The strategic guidelines
proposed include the implementations of cafes or the development of cultural and
entertainment activities (with general purposes or focused in the history and
characteristics of the region). Combined with the opportunities opened by the
existence of international exchange programs and the availability of English
courses, this would contribute to increase the interaction among international
students, Japanese students and the surrounding community. The opportunity to
explore the proximity between academy and regional economy was also mentioned,
although the relatively weak economic condition of Hokkaido can impose some
limits.
