Abstract:
Global warming is inevitable in this century.
We will experience increased average temperatures,
flooding, rising sea level, insect-spread infections,
population displacement/eco-migration and an
increased number and strength of tropical storms.
Coastal areas throughout the world have begun to
experience a loss of land due to rising sea levels
and are likely to experience more hazardous
weather and an increase of flooding. This thesis will
explore an architectural approach to the design of a
community to adapt to floodwaters and hazardous
air movements in order to prevent the displacement
of coastal residents.
This coastal community prototype will involve
the conceptual design of a community, in the Lower
9th Ward of New Orleans, at two scales of design.
First at the scale of the community - looking at the
urban plan and topography of a 4.5 square mile
area of the Lower Ninth Ward. The second at the
scale of an individual residence, a home within the
community that will accommodate a family of 4. The
residence uses amphibious principles to adapt to
changing water levels.
