Japan is known for its heritage, traditions, and technologies. The country was able to preserve its culture while maintaining the lead in the rapid modernization of its cities through technology. The country’s strength lies in its deeply-rooted traditions while pushing for modernization. This is how Japan upholds its identity amid the dynamic circumstances of the present day.

This technology is part of what Japan exports to partner countries. Japan, through its design ingenuity and building technology, helps partner countries build quality establishments geared toward sustainable development.

One such country that has benefitted from this technology is the Philippines. The Philippines, though it focuses on modernizing its cities, still has a long way to go in terms of ensuring that establishments are comfortable and accessible. Infrastructures such as office spaces, malls, and high-rise residential areas receive the latest technology, however, certain establishments still need updating. Examples of these establishments are public schools, libraries, nurseries, government offices, and other community spaces.

Similarities and Differences in Japanese and Filipino Infrastructures

Japan and the Philippines share similar circumstances regarding natural and man-made disasters. Both countries experience typhoons, tsunamis, and earthquakes, with the latter being experienced by Japan at a greater scale and frequency. Regardless, these disasters cause great damage to cities and rural areas in both countries, which is why there is a need for sustainable development to ensure lesser damage to establishments and lesser lives affected by them.

However, there are differences in which aspect of urban development the countries focus on.

• Japan, because of the intensity of its earthquakes and tsunamis, focuses on developing robust infrastructures that can withstand these calamities. These calamities disrupt life and operations within the country, thus Japan focuses on building resilient establishments to prevent losses.
• The Philippines, on the other hand, focuses on addressing traffic congestion in its key cities. The time Filipinos spend in traffic reduces the economic value that an employee earns and provides, and at the same time, it also impacts the time spent by a person in their work or with their families and friends.
• In addition to traffic congestion, organizations in the Philippines also need to follow the latest requirements for building standards, sustainability, and safety for their long-time establishments.

Focusing on the Philippines, there are many ways to address its issues in urban development.

• Upgrade public transportation to reduce car congestion. This can mean either providing sustainable programs to drivers while increasing transportation hubs with the latest building solutions where commuters can safely alight their preferred mode of transportation.
• Modernize cities outside the metro. This means developing rural areas to ensure their growth and attract people to build their lives in these areas.
• Make resources accessible within communities. Accessibility means people do not have to go far to acquire their basic necessities, employment, and recreational activities. They can find all of these within their communities.

To ensure that Philippine infrastructures are up to global standards, incorporating Japanese technology to a building’s design and function will help make infrastructure modernization and accessibility within communities possible. A key way to do so is by investing in building solutions.

Adopting Technologies for Local Needs in Philippine Infrastructure

One crucial strength of Japanese infrastructure is developing technologies tailored to local needs. Japan's approach involves customizing technology solutions to address specific infrastructure challenges. The Philippines can benefit from adopting this approach by utilizing technologies that effectively address its unique situations such as modernization and improving accessibility within communities.

The Philippines can enhance its infrastructure landscape and improve the overall quality of life for its citizens by integrating these Japanese technologies into Philippine establishments. This means utilizing Japanese technology to make spaces, comfortable, accessible, and updated to the latest technological standards. Fortunately, local companies such as International Elevator & Equipment, Inc. (IEE) have partnered with Mitsubishi Group’s Mitsubishi Electric to provide building solutions that modernize Philippine infrastructures.

Mitsubishi Electric and IEE’s partnership began in 1969. Since then, Mitsubishi Electric has introduced world-class vertical transport solutions to the Philippines through IEE. IEE, as the provider of this elevator and escalator technology to local businesses, ensures that establishments meet global demands while ensuring the safety and convenience of the tenants. Through this partnership, several establishments in the metro have experienced greater mobility within establishments.

IEE also provides other building solutions to its clients. One is air conditioning systems. Modern air conditioning systems provide cooling technology that costs less and requires minimal maintenance over time. IEE also provides a separate air purifying filter that can be added to the air conditioning units. This filter makes the air safe and free from allergens, dust, and viruses. Another is building automation systems. Building automation systems make building management efficient by allowing building managers to oversee the building through one system.

Modernization through these building solutions provides efficiency, lessens energy consumption, and ensures that the establishment adheres to the latest security and safety standards. All these pave the way toward sustainable growth for the infrastructure development industry within the Philippines. Over time, these solutions can be extended to other areas where modernization is taking place.

Cultural Exchange and Integration of Japanese Innovations in Philippine Designs

Japanese technologies and infrastructures have become a source of inspiration for Philippine designers and architects. Apart from modernizing spaces, Japanese technologies also focus on energy efficiency and sustainability. These allow infrastructures to remain comfortable and usable in the long run.

To reimagine Philippine designs, it is crucial to draw inspiration from the strengths of both Japanese and Filipino infrastructures. The robustness and resilience of Japanese infrastructure can serve as a guiding principle for constructing buildings and public spaces that can withstand natural disasters. On the other hand, the Philippines' focus on solving traffic congestion and modernizing establishments to global infrastructure standards can inspire solutions that are energy-saving, efficient, and sustainable.

IEE’s engineers collaborate with clients to provide the best solutions their projects require. This collaboration enables IEE to provide the best solutions that suit the client’s needs while ensuring the technology matches the infrastructure’s design.

IEE’s mission of providing "Changes for the Better" emphasizes continuous improvement and the development of cutting-edge products, technologies, and services. The incorporation of Mitsubishi Electric's innovations, such as advanced electrical systems, energy-efficient solutions, and smart infrastructure management, can significantly enhance the functionality and sustainability of Philippine designs. These technologies align with the Philippines' aspirations for long-term growth and environmental conservation.

The Tomorrow of Philippine Infrastructure Design

By embracing the strengths of Japanese and Philippine infrastructure, such as technologies tailored to local needs, the Philippines can enhance its infrastructure landscape and address its unique challenges. The integration of Japanese innovations, design elements, and equipment such as IEE’s building solutions, can contribute to the development of sustainable and efficient designs.

As the Philippines aspires to achieve self-reliant economic growth and contribute to global infrastructure development, adopting Japanese practices is a valuable opportunity to create a future that blends the best of both cultures and promotes design integration in local infrastructure. Through IEE, this could lead to a future of innovative and sustainable development.