Salty Urbanism is a concept that refers to the ways in which cities and urban areas will respond and adapt to rising sea levels and the accompanying increase in salinity of coastal and near-coastal land. This phenomenon is caused by a combination of factors, including global warming, sea-level rise, and human development along coastlines.
Salty Urbanism can have a significant impact on urban infrastructure, such as roads, buildings, and water supply systems. As saltwater infiltrates freshwater sources, it can damage pipes and other infrastructure, leading to costly repairs and maintenance.
In response to Salty Urbanism, urban designers are exploring new strategies to adapt and mitigate the effects of rising sea levels and saltwater intrusion. These strategies include elevating buildings and infrastructure, implementing green infrastructure to absorb excess water, and developing coastal ecosystems to act as buffers against storm surges and flooding. Overall, Salty Urbanism highlights the urgent need for cities and urban areas to adapt and prepare for the ongoing and future impacts of climate change.
Author Biography:
Jeffrey Huber is a principal at Brooks + Scarpa and manages the firm’s South Florida studio. Huber is also an associate professor of the School of Architecture at Florida Atlantic University in downtown Fort Lauderdale. All contributors: Lawrence Scarpa, Principal, Brooks + Scarpa Architects; Dr. Keith Van de Riet, Associate Professor; Dr. Colin Polsky, Director and Professor, Florida Atlantic University; Dr. Diana Mitsova, Associate Professor, Florida Atlantic University; Dr. Fredrick Bloetscher, Professor, Florida Atlantic University; John Sandell, Professor, Florida Atlantic University; Richard Jones, Senior Research Associate, Florida Atlantic University; Kun Li, Senior Project Designer, Brooks + Scarpa Architects; Pieter Conradie, Project Designer, Brooks + Scarpa Architects; Heather Akers, Project Designer, Brooks + Scarpa Architects; Aren Castro, Project Designer, Brooks + Scarpa Architects; Chance Stillman, Research Assistant, Florida Atlantic University; Dogus Oren, Research Assistant, Florida Atlantic University; Dane Quist, Research Assistant, Florida Atlantic University; Rayan Alhawiti, Research Associate, Florida Atlantic University; Connor Bailey, Research Associate, Florida Atlantic University; Gerardo Ormachea, Research Assistant, Florida Atlantic University; Ian Fennimore, Research Assistant, Florida Atlantic University.
