Design for Relocation and Reassembly: Self-Determined Adaptability for the Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe’s ‘Upland Expansion’

Abstract

This thesis explores how buildings that are intended to be assembled, disassembled, and reassembled can address current and future needs of the Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe (SBIT) while supporting cultural continuity for their community as they adapt to changing shorelines and coastal hazards through relocation and upland expansion. This continuity of “home” across multiple dwelling sites promotes self-determination of households, families, and the tribe as a whole by incorporating local materials and labor in adaptable, low-carbon design methods while connecting to historical practices. The methods used in this thesis are informed by traditional building methods and typologies of the region, and demonstrate how relevant technology and materials available today can be used to address the desire for culturally-relevant and deeply sustainable architecture that can meet the needs of the community, maintain their health and safety, address adaptation and mobility, consider attachment to place, and promote self-determination. Prefabricated panelized construction addresses the housing shortage and affordability problem in the tribe’s current lowland location, supports the ability to move homes to safer upland sites, and addresses long-term, multigenerational housing needs. Access to housing and community services are inherent to the livelihood of the tribe during this transition. Architecture that responds to environmental risks in a culturally-affirming way can ease the transition to a new location while supporting current and future generations. The findings intend to benefit other tribal communities who are facing similar environmental threats to their lands.