An architectural response to sea-level rise: Re-examining the amphibious space as part of the public space of coastal neighbourhoods.

Abstract

Human-induced climate change is a fact, and one of the most visible signs is sealevel rise. Coastal and riverine communities are at risk because of rising sea levels. In the face of this challenge, there are two ultimate options for these communities; either move and rebuild, or adapt. The first option is a luxury not every community has, but adaptation is something ingrained in people. The Thesis investigates how architects, designers, and planners are reacting to changing climatic conditions with a focus on sea-level rise. The research explores resilience, sustainability, and deep uncertainty in coastal communities through a literature survey and an exploration of amphibious building typologies and flood mitigation systems. The Thesis then tries to shift the perception of what is acceptable by creating public amenities that improve safety and quality of life within a neighbourhood. It does this by selecting a case study area in New Zealand and applying learnings from the research and the site analysis. It utilizes design and planning concepts that will make the neighbourhood more resilient by mitigating risk, but also facilitate activity within the amphibious space. Change is inevitable; nonetheless, perception at an individual and neighbourhood scale is flexible. By understanding how people live alongside bodies of water, it defines what the perception of the amphibious space is and looks at what it could be. If we can use local communities as a catalyst for change then maybe, we can mitigate the effects of sea-level rise on our safety and lifestyle.