The definition of Resilient, according to the Webster Dictionary, : characterized or marked by resilience: such as. a. : capable of withstanding shock without permanent deformation or rupture. b. : tending to recover from or adjust easily to misfortune or change.
Nature vs. Nurture
With hurricane season still in action this month, we explore the implications of hurricanes along the coast and methods for making smart design decisions that help the environment during natural disasters. It is our responsibility as designers to think about the protection and safety of human life and the impact we have along the coastline.
Beach erosion is a major environmental issue affecting the coastline in Florida and throughout the Caribbean. Erosion is the process by which coastal land is gradually worn away by the action of waves and winds, leading to the loss of sandy beaches and the destruction of coastal habitats. The current sea level rise has impacted many Florida areas, and not just because of hurricanes. Areas like Miami and The Keys experience flooded streets due to king tides which occur during new and full moons.
Other causes of beach erosion include natural factors throughout the year, such as tropical storms, extreme climate changes, and human activities involving construction and coastal development. The more we push against the ocean, the more it will come back to reclaim its land.
The effects of beach erosion can be devastating, both for the environment and for local communities. Last year, Hurricane Ian proved to be one of the biggest impacts along the West Coast and parts of the East Coast leaving some areas unrecognizable. Sanibel Island, a barrier island off the west coast was left with extensive damage and an unknown uncertainty of the amount of time it will take to come back from the infrastructure that was damaged.
In addition to the loss of valuable coastal habitats, beach erosion can also lead to property damage like this home near Ponce Inlet. The ocean carved its own pool in the backyard of several homes along the coastline, making it impossible to rebuild on the same property.
It is crucial to find effective solutions to mitigate the impact of beach erosion. One approach to addressing beach erosion is through the use of beach nourishment, which involves adding sand to eroded beaches to restore their natural form and function. Beach erosion is a complex issue and one solution isn’t the best for all. The most effective defense against natural disasters is to combine a natural approach and provide proactive solutions that minimize the impact of disaster.
Other important topics to consider and include in design:
Building responsibly and further away from the Coastal Construction Line
Understanding the impacts of the local environment and using natural areas as defenses
Resistant Materials and Strong Connections that can withhold high wind speeds
Check out the Wall of Wind Testing in Florida
Other methods include the use of seawalls and other hard structures to protect coastal areas, as well as the implementation of zoning regulations and other policies to limit development in vulnerable areas. For some places like Miami, building along the coast might be unavoidable, but a smart plan can help address the transformations of manmade development and help mitigate the damage from natural disasters. Check out On the Waterfront, a report used to analyze and help plan the future of existing Miami waterfront conditions.
With the right knowledge and plans of action, we can help protect our coastlines and ensure a sustainable future for coastal communities. AIA has released a series to learn more about the role architects have in supporting the communities that deal with natural disasters. For more information check out these AIA resources and links below:
