Architect Kaori Tanaka, raised in a rural village nestled amidst breathtaking mountains, harbored a deep-seated passion for sustainable design. Witnessing firsthand the environmental degradation caused by unchecked industrialization, she dreamt of creating structures that harmonized with nature, not dominated it. However, her aspirations were constantly challenged by the stark realities of societal inequality. Upon graduating from a prestigious university, Kaori secured a position at a renowned architectural firm in Tokyo. The firm, known for its opulent and extravagant designs for wealthy clientele, presented a stark contrast to Kaori’s ideals. She found herself designing sprawling villas, often with lavish use of resources and disregard for sustainable materials, projects that felt morally compromising. The disconnect between her ethical compass and the demands of her profession gnawed at her conscience. Kaori’s initial attempts to incorporate sustainable practices were met with resistance. Her proposals for eco-friendly materials, often more costly and less readily available, were deemed impractical and economically unviable by her superiors, who prioritized profit margins above all else. The firm’s clients, accustomed to a certain level of opulence, were also resistant to change, viewing sustainable designs as aesthetically less appealing or a compromise on luxury. Simultaneously, Kaori noticed a significant disparity in access to quality housing. While she designed luxurious homes for the elite, the majority of Tokyo residents faced cramped living conditions, insufficient access to green spaces, and inadequate infrastructure. This disparity, coupled with the environmental concerns, intensified her inner conflict. She questioned the validity of her chosen profession in a society riddled with such inequality. She wrestled with the ethical dilemma: should she compromise her values to achieve financial stability, or risk financial insecurity to pursue projects that truly reflected her ideals? Inspired by a community development project in her former village, Kaori started volunteering her time to help design affordable, environmentally conscious housing for low-income communities. This experience, though demanding and less lucrative, provided a profound sense of fulfillment and solidified her resolve. It reignited her belief in the power of architecture to address social and environmental injustices, guiding her toward a more ethically sound and sustainable path, even if it meant a slower and more challenging climb to professional success.
1. What is the central conflict in Kaori Tanaka’s story?
2. Which of the following best describes the significance of Kaori’s volunteering experience?
3. What is the author’s primary purpose in presenting Kaori’s story?
4. The passage suggests that the adoption of sustainable design practices is often hindered by: