The "Design for Climate Adaptation: Knowledge to Action" initiative in Seabrook, Houston, responds to the city's climate challenges by integrating innovative design with the local ecosystem's regenerative capacities.
The project aims to create an emergency shelter for flood and hurricane scenarios, prioritizing sustainability and community resilience. It explores eco-friendly materials and techniques to minimize the shelter's carbon footprint, incorporating features like green roofs and natural ventilation systems.
The project also focuses on fostering awareness and well-being, envisioning the shelter as a multifaceted neighborhood center. It incorporates advanced structural elements and sustainable design principles to ensure lasting sustainability. Seabrook, chosen for construction, faces climate change issues, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to mitigate flooding risks.
Through a comprehensive SWOT analysis, the project identifies strengths and weaknesses of the Seabrook region, emphasizing its strategic location and potential for sustainable development. It acknowledges threats such as flooding and global warming, proposing resilient infrastructure and eco-friendly initiatives.
The project's micro-site analysis highlights the location's proximity to the sea and nearby forest, suggesting mitigation strategies for hurricanes and floods. Design intentions focus on creating a lively building with facilities like a library and multipurpose halls. Massing strategies involve interconnected buildings beneath a protective shield.
Environmental strategies consider wind, solar, and flood resilience, with dynamic elevation and water-resistant materials. The project integrates features like elevated floors and floating decks to withstand floods.
Functional areas include medical clinics, storage facilities, housing units, and recreational spaces, with a total functional area
of approximately 57,350 sqft.