Project Summary

CONTEXT
The Town of Nags Head, NC was the focus of the 2020 Coastal Dynamics Collaborative Design + Engineering Studio (ARC 503 + CE 497/596 + LAR 507). Structured in a highly collaborative format, the studio included 25 students from the disciplines of landscape architecture, architecture, and engineering. Interdisciplinary student teams 1) researched and developed innovative strategies and techniques to address known and anticipated future socio-environmental issues related to sea-level rise and 2) proposed design interventions capable of simultaneously promoting the health, safety, and well-being of both residents and coastal ecosystems. Students consulted with design professionals, planners, policy experts, and community leaders to inform the design dialogue necessary to frame new directions in coastal design.

PROJECT OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this immersive student experience included but were not limited to:

  • Facilitate conversations between the diverse interests affected by and concerned with climate adaptive policy, planning, design, and engineering strategies.

  • Research and disseminate best practices centered on coastal resilience.

  • Document needs, issues, and opportunities associated with the North Carolina coast, specifically the Outer Banks and Town of Nags Head.

  • Challenge students to design and visualize concepts for applying environmental, social, and economic best practices to regional and local community situations.

  • Model and evaluate alternative strategies and scenarios.

  • Develop and disseminate policy and economic pathways that are innovative, contextually appropriate, and strategic to operationalizing proposed design strategies.

 

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