Adapting to Maine's Evolving Coastline

Abstract

Sea level rise is one of the many consequences of global warming which affects both the natural and built environment. It is crucial to acknowledge that sea level rise is inevitable. As architects we can take this challenge and work with it to create more adaptable and resilient designs that add value to the community. This thesis symbolizes an optimistic outlook on sea level rise, and how to work with the water rather than against it.

Portland was chosen because it is the most populated and urban city in Maine. The neighborhood of Bayside was chosen due to it being the area most vulnerable to rising sea levels according to the NOAA maps. The research and design are focused on the worst-case scenarios of the NOAA maps to better prepare for the future. A majority of this neighborhood was created with infill for the construction of the I-295 highway in the 1960s. The ocean is essentially taking back its original shoreline.

The name of the neighborhood, Bayside, is contradictory because it is no longer on the Back Cove Bay. The landscape design of this thesis has two goals. First, the intention is to create a design that allows the water into the neighborhood in a more controlled manner now rather than later. The second goal is to integrate the community closer to the Bay in a way that visitors can interact with the water. Therefore, a kayak center was chosen as the program for the building to create a connection from the proposed island to the water. The kayak center acts as a hub for all paddle-related activities for both locals and tourists to enjoy.

With the island that is being created, the approach to the design was altered from designing one structure to designing a template that can be repeated in many locations across the island. The template has a structure that is resilient against salt water, while also being structurally sound for future vertical development.

Each design decision for the template was made with the focus on its resiliency and strength for future vertical development. The kayak center is centered on the levee and the pathway that follows along the entire island to create a connection between land and water and to show that levees can be inhabitable. The arch design of the beams creates a visually appealing experience for visitors, while also contributing to the strength of the building in the future. Portland cement and fiberglass reinforcement are used for their strength against salt water.

This thesis maintains a hopeful perspective that architecture and the ocean can thrive hand in hand.