Architectural Resilience In Coastal Communities: Biomimicry As A Design Tool

Abstract

The coastline is a dynamic landscape feature that divides the land and sea, shaped by natural systems over billions of years. Critical climatic factors, including increased tidal action, coastal erosion, and inundation are creating continuous change along the coast and implementing architectural challenges within existing coastal communities. This thesis proposes an architectural solution that implements resilient design in an existing coastal community—tailored to address critical climatic factors, enhancing community connectivity, and articulating the essence of biological structures, allowing residents of the coastal settlement to continue to thrive along the coast. Neil’s Harbour, Nova Scotia, is explored as a case study on how to shift our perspective from traditional methods of settlement to living in harmony with dynamic landscapes, leveraging local land and programmatic relationships to repair existing climatic impact and create a layered approach to resilient design.