Everyday Use of Emergency Spaces: A Park Design for Westport, Washington’s Proposed Vertical Evacuation Structure

Abstract

This thesis explores the integration of hazard mitigation, placemaking, andresilient design in the small coastal town of Westport, Washington, as it confronts the challenges of preparing for a catastrophic tsunami while simultaneously creating a vibrant public space. The study examines the design of an open space around a proposed evacuation tower and investigates how the design can be meaningful and functional for the community during non-emergency periods, as well as seamlessly integrate the tower into the everyday landscape. Through literature review, contextual analysis, and community engagement, the research emphasizes the importance of community involvement in decision-making processes to ensure contextually appropriate and community-driven solutions. The thesis presents a proposed design for the public space surrounding the proposed evacuation tower and highlights the opportunity for rural areas and small towns to serve as innovative models for climate adaptation and hazard mitigation strategies. The research contributes to the broader discourse on resilient planning and design and challenges the urban bias prevalent in the field.