The disaster relief project, "Home-for-All" was curated by Toyō Itō in response to the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami that swept through the coast of Japan. The project aimed to rebuild homes for Rikuzentakata citizens. In this project, led by Itō and four other architects, the focus was to build communal spaces that promoted interaction. Unlike other temporary shelters that resembled prison cells, they wanted to redefine disaster relief, emphasizing relief for those involved, and the importance of establishing a supportive community.
The AftermathProceeding the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake, the Sendai Mediatheque was essentially unharmed compared to the rest of the city, receiving only interior damage. Designed after the Great Hanshin Earthquake, Itō kept in mind the structural integrity of the building during disaster. The large columns of the structure absorbed 60-70% of the seismic energy, explaining why the building still stands today.