Floating Metropolis: Resilient Infrastructure to Preempt Tsunami Inundation

Abstract

Tsunamis and storm surges are some of the most destructive forces facing coastal cities. With the current rise in sea level, combined with the potential catastrophic impact of natural disasters, coastal regions of these urban centers will need to be redefined with the global environment in mind. Tokyo Japan is the largest urban zone in the world at a high risk for natural disasters. The 36 million individuals living there cope with minimal defense in the face of a worst case scenario. This thesis focuses on leveraging the 2020 Summer Olympics as a catalyst for a new development in floating infrastructure to protect the athletes during the Games and after the event, the residents of Tokyo. A large-scale modular system of floating platforms that address all needs of the city will be prototyped for the Olympics, then implemented on a larger scale post games as needed in a phased scheme that looks at potential risk and urban development impacting the region. The design will address structures long-term resiliency, and legacy from the Games, while preparing for what many scientists believe is the eventual transformation of urban coastal regions around the globe.