THERE WILL BE FLOOD: Resilient architecture for sea level rise

Abstract

Climate change is one of the biggest challenges of the modern world. This master thesis focuses on the threats related to the marine environment: sea level rise and ocean degradation. Due to those ocean changes, most of the coastal communities are exposed to huge risks. The main research question of the thesis is: how can architecture strengthen the resilience of coastal communities and reduce their vulnerabilities? The author's research is based on the environmental reports produced by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in order to map the global risks related to sea level rise and ocean degradation. The analysis of three case studies (Rotterdam, Netherlads, Staten Island, NY, USA and Mahé, Seychelles), provides examples of existing patterns in coastal defense. The research uses the theory of resilience and regenerative design to create a framework of resilient architecture. The objective of the thesis is to propose a set of design strategies for resilient architecture in the coastal environment. Those guidelines are recommended for any communities struggling with coastal hazards and could be implemented globally. The design strategies are later illustrated using the concept of the Blue Education Center developed by the author for Mahé. The proposal has a diagrammatic framework and focuses on programmatic issues, instead of the appearance of the building or technical solutions. The thesis is a contribution to the on-going discussion around coastal architecture and the resilience of coastal communities. It underlines the importance of an interdisciplinary approach and the value of research on the constantly changing coastal environment.