Sinking Cities; Adaptive Architecture for Rising Sea Levels

Abstract

Though the Duwamish River has been through many significant changes since its glacialcreation thousands of years ago, it has remained a source of food, travel and trade for those residing in the Duwamish Valley and greater Seattle area. Previous developments of the economy and local industries have led to regrading and rerouting the river; permanently altering the landscape of the valley. Like many urban waterways worldwide, industrial activity along the Duwamish River has led to an ecological crisis of polluted waterways and excessive greenhouse gas emissions contributing to anthropogenic climate change. This thesis explores amphibious architecture as an adaptive response to rising sea levels in Seattle and worldwide to preserve habitation and regenerate damaged ecosystems, while cultivating climate and environmental literacy.