Coastal cities, with their breathtaking views and vibrant economies, face increasing climate-related challenges. The urgent need for innovative urban planning strategies has never been more apparent. This article explores some groundbreaking approaches and iconic architectural designs that blend aesthetics with resilience, providing inspiration for coastal cities.
Recalling how Cyclone Michaung caused intense rains in Chennai, we can see how vulnerable Indian cities are to natural disasters caused by climate change. Chennai had received almost 40 centimetres of rain in a 48-hour period; this was a stark reminder of the escalating climate calamity that urban India is facing. Chennai’s problems are part of a greater tale of climate vulnerability that many Indian towns face.
For example, cities like Mumbai and Kolkata face significant hazards from tropical storms, rising sea levels, etc. India is especially susceptible to the effects of increasing sea levels, more frequent storms, and tidal surges because of its long coastline.
Coastal vulnerabilities
Research by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research and Climate Analytics, commissioned on behalf of the World Bank Group, raises concerns about the impact of climate change on India, particularly in coastal areas. Due to its proximity to the Equator, India is anticipated to experience higher sea-level rises compared to regions at higher latitudes. This heightened risk poses a significant threat to coastal cities, leading to saltwater intrusion that can adversely affect agriculture, degrade groundwater quality, and potentially contribute to an increase in waterborne diseases. Surging tides exacerbate these problems, especially during cyclones and monsoon seasons.
In response, architects and planners are devising strategies to bolster resilience and mitigate risks, recognising the imperative of sustainable development in the face of mounting challenges.
Innovative urban planning
One of the primary strategies involves elevating critical infrastructure to minimise the risk of flooding. This approach not only seeks to minimize the risk of flooding but also ensures the continuity of essential services during extreme weather events. A standout example of this strategy in action is the Bandra-Worli Sea Link in Mumbai, India. This marvel of modern engineering, an elevated roadway that spans the Arabian Sea, not only facilitates smoother transportation across the city but also stands as a testament to how infrastructure can be designed to counteract the effects of climate change or adapt to changing conditions. By raising the road above potential flood levels, the Bandra-Worli Sea Link provides a resilient connection between key parts of the city, demonstrating a forward-thinking approach to urban planning and disaster risk reduction.
Embracing the dynamic nature of water bodies, architects are exploring floating structures that adapt to changing water levels. The Floating University in the Maldives and the Waterstudio’s Floating Pavilion in Rotterdam are pioneering examples of floating architecture that can also serve as models for coastal
cities in India.
Coastal housing needs to be reimagined to withstand the challenges posed by climate change. Stilted structures, as seen in traditional houses in the Indian state of Kerala, provide elevation to homes, reducing the risk of flooding. Additionally, architects are incorporating sustainable materials and designs that enhance the structural integrity of buildings while contributing to the overall aesthetic of the city.
Iconic architectural designs
Designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, with Adrian D Smith and Gordon Gill as architects, China’s 71-story, 309.6-metre tall Pearl River Tower is an innovative skyscraper equipped with integrated wind turbines and photovoltaic panels. Likewise, translating to “Vertical Forest,” the Bosco Verticale is a pair of residential towers covered with thousands of trees and plants. It is located in the Porta Nuova district of Milan, Italy. The concept of vertical forests could be adapted in coastal cities to create resilient and green urban spaces.
Projects like Mumbai’s Bandra-Worli Sea Link exemplify the marriage of functionality and climate resilience, showcasing how elevated roadways can navigate rising sea levels while enhancing urban connectivity. Such initiatives not only safeguard infrastructure but also signal a departure from conventional design paradigms towards a more adaptive urban landscape.
Paradigm shift
Coastal cities confront the spectre of inundation, erosion, and saltwater intrusion, prompting a paradigm shift in urban planning. To address these challenges, coastal cities in India need to implement comprehensive adaptation and mitigation strategies. This may include building resilient infrastructure, such as seawalls and flood barriers, implementing land-use planning measures to reduce vulnerability to coastal hazards, promoting sustainable coastal management practices, and investing in early warning systems and emergency preparedness.
Additionally, efforts to mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions are essential to addressing the root causes of sea-level rise and extreme weather events. Collaboration between government agencies, local communities, researchers, and other stakeholders is crucial to effectively tackle the complex challenges posed by climate change in coastal cities.
Coastal housing needs to be reimagined to withstand the challenges posed by climate change. Stilted structures, as seen in traditional houses in the Indian state of Kerala, provide elevation to homes, reducing the risk of flooding.