The document discusses research on the Wax Lake Delta in Louisiana. It provides background on the delta's formation from sediment deposition from the Atchafalaya River. Research is being conducted through the DELTA LAB observatory to understand delta evolution and inform coastal restoration efforts. Dense instrumentation is used to study physical, ecological and geochemical processes during events like floods and storms. The data aims to improve predictive models of delta growth and benefit delta management worldwide.
The document discusses the Wax Lake Delta in Louisiana. It describes the delta as a natural laboratory that provides critical data for understanding delta evolution and restoration. The delta receives sediment from the Atchafalaya River, which has allowed it to build new land at a rate of 1-2 square km per year, proving that land building is possible with a sufficient sediment supply. The document advocates for establishing a research observatory called the DELTA LAB at the Wax Lake Delta to provide data to help design and evaluate plans for large-scale restoration of the Mississippi River Delta.
This document summarizes the status and trends in Jamaica Bay based on the latest studies. It discusses water quality, ecosystems, flooding, and communities. The document outlines an integrated assessment and planning project with stakeholder input to improve habitat/ecosystems, reduce flood risk, and improve water quality. Preliminary findings note that two conceptual scenarios provide habitat and flood protection benefits in the next 20-30 years, but uncertainties remain about longer term sustainability due to changing conditions and costs.
This document summarizes a professional project completed by Colleen Whitten Sax towards a Master's degree in urban planning. The project involved developing a model critical area ordinance for four cities in the Snoqualmie Watershed to consistently protect salmon habitat and watershed processes. Key aspects included coordinating planning staff from the cities and consultants, facilitating workshops, and presenting recommendations. The document provides background on literature related to environmental planning, watershed analysis, and conferences attended to inform the project.
This document discusses climate change impacts and an adaptation proposal for the Town of Littlemarsh. It provides background on the town and describes increasing flooding issues. The proposal is to amend zoning to establish "retreat" zones along coastal and river areas to allow for natural inland migration of shorelines as sea levels and river levels rise in the future. This would prohibit protective structures from being built in certain zones to prepare for land being inundated over time.
The document discusses trends and issues related to the development of deltas globally. It identifies key drivers of change such as population growth, economic development, and climate change. These drivers place increasing demands on deltas and exacerbate challenges like vulnerability to flooding and freshwater shortages. The document analyzes these issues across eight major deltas worldwide. It finds that deltas like the Mekong River Delta and Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta currently face major problems with factors like flood vulnerability, freshwater shortage, and loss of environmental quality and biodiversity.
Erosion As Pollution: The net economic and shoreline effects of coastal struc...Lisa Granquist
This is an update to the presentation, "Shoreline Change in Urban Massachusetts, Time for Retreat?"
Inland property owners observe significant premiums in home values due to the existence of beaches for recreation in front of proximate waterfront properties. As erosion occurs, waterfront property owners seek to protect their properties with hard structures (seawalls, revetments) often waterfront property owners have the legal right to do this.
A negotiated solution? “In theory,” to protect their own home values, inland property owners could pay waterfront property owners to forego hard structural protections or to replenish sand on the beach.
- from slide 21, Hoagland, Granquist, 2014, Shoreline Change in Urban Massachusetts: Erosion as Pollution?
The document discusses the Wax Lake Delta in Louisiana. It describes the delta as a natural laboratory that provides critical data for understanding delta evolution and restoration. The delta receives sediment from the Atchafalaya River, which has allowed it to build new land at a rate of 1-2 square km per year, proving that land building is possible with a sufficient sediment supply. The document advocates for establishing a research observatory called the DELTA LAB at the Wax Lake Delta to provide data to help design and evaluate plans for large-scale restoration of the Mississippi River Delta.
This document summarizes the status and trends in Jamaica Bay based on the latest studies. It discusses water quality, ecosystems, flooding, and communities. The document outlines an integrated assessment and planning project with stakeholder input to improve habitat/ecosystems, reduce flood risk, and improve water quality. Preliminary findings note that two conceptual scenarios provide habitat and flood protection benefits in the next 20-30 years, but uncertainties remain about longer term sustainability due to changing conditions and costs.
This document summarizes a professional project completed by Colleen Whitten Sax towards a Master's degree in urban planning. The project involved developing a model critical area ordinance for four cities in the Snoqualmie Watershed to consistently protect salmon habitat and watershed processes. Key aspects included coordinating planning staff from the cities and consultants, facilitating workshops, and presenting recommendations. The document provides background on literature related to environmental planning, watershed analysis, and conferences attended to inform the project.
This document discusses climate change impacts and an adaptation proposal for the Town of Littlemarsh. It provides background on the town and describes increasing flooding issues. The proposal is to amend zoning to establish "retreat" zones along coastal and river areas to allow for natural inland migration of shorelines as sea levels and river levels rise in the future. This would prohibit protective structures from being built in certain zones to prepare for land being inundated over time.
The document discusses trends and issues related to the development of deltas globally. It identifies key drivers of change such as population growth, economic development, and climate change. These drivers place increasing demands on deltas and exacerbate challenges like vulnerability to flooding and freshwater shortages. The document analyzes these issues across eight major deltas worldwide. It finds that deltas like the Mekong River Delta and Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta currently face major problems with factors like flood vulnerability, freshwater shortage, and loss of environmental quality and biodiversity.
Erosion As Pollution: The net economic and shoreline effects of coastal struc...Lisa Granquist
This is an update to the presentation, "Shoreline Change in Urban Massachusetts, Time for Retreat?"
Inland property owners observe significant premiums in home values due to the existence of beaches for recreation in front of proximate waterfront properties. As erosion occurs, waterfront property owners seek to protect their properties with hard structures (seawalls, revetments) often waterfront property owners have the legal right to do this.
A negotiated solution? “In theory,” to protect their own home values, inland property owners could pay waterfront property owners to forego hard structural protections or to replenish sand on the beach.
- from slide 21, Hoagland, Granquist, 2014, Shoreline Change in Urban Massachusetts: Erosion as Pollution?
Accelerated Erosion and Sea Level Rise, The Case for Adaptive PoliciesLisa Granquist
2012 March. Poster presenter. Research, Innovation and Scholarship Expo RISE2012, Northeastern University, Poster title, Accelerated Erosion and Sea Level Rise, The Case for Adaptive Policies.
The introduction of coastal infrastructure can impact marine environments through habitat fragmentation, unnatural materials affecting colonization, and altering intertidal zones and nearshore areas. Infrastructure like breakwaters, groynes, jetties, seawalls, pilings, docks, and aquaculture facilities can change marine life distributions, sediment movement, biodiversity, and water quality. Future research is needed to better understand how ecological processes are affected and species interact on artificial structures to help mitigate human impacts through improved ecological engineering and coastal management.
Shoreline Change in Urban Massachusetts, Time for Retreat?Lisa Granquist
2013 February. Workshop presentation at the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), Annual Meeting, Boston, MA, of co-authored research, Shoreline Change in Urban Massachusetts, Time for Retreat?
This document provides an overview of the environmental health and trends of the New York-New Jersey Harbor Estuary. It discusses how the estuary's natural resources and ecosystems have been degraded by human activity over the past 400 years, including the loss of wetlands, forests, and shallow waters. However, conditions have improved in the last 30 years due to legislation and restoration efforts. The document examines topics such as pollution levels, wildlife populations, and natural areas to assess the current state of the estuary. It highlights ongoing work by agencies and organizations to further protect and restore the estuary.
This document discusses the need for regulatory change to address emerging environmental and societal issues. It provides examples of how public and private stakeholders have worked together to enact regulatory changes. One case study describes how a pilot wastewater reuse project led Massachusetts to develop regulatory guidelines and later formal regulations allowing for expanded uses of reclaimed water. The document advocates for creating flexible regulatory structures through cooperation between regulators and developers.
This book is a catalog of work produced by the school of architecture at Louisiana State University in conjunction with the Chevron Corporation for a shorebase in Venice, Louisiana. All designs investigate unique and futuristic ways to harness the dynamic nature of coastal Louisiana into a reimagined symbiosis.
This book is a catalog of work produced by the school of architecture at Louisiana State University in conjunction with the Chevron Corporation for a shorebase in Venice, Louisiana. All designs investigate unique and futuristic ways to harness the dynamic nature of coastal Louisiana into a reimagined symbiosis.
Climate Change Impacts on the Goals of the New York-New Jersey Harbor Estuary...Sabrina Ramkhelawan
This document summarizes a report submitted to the New York-New Jersey Harbor Estuary Program (HEP) that analyzes how climate change may impact the goals of HEP's 2011-2015 Action Plan. The report was produced by students at Barnard College. It first outlines HEP's five main goals: clean up pollution; improve habitat and ecology; increase public access; support an economically viable port; and increase public education. It then identifies four key climate stressors - increasing temperature, precipitation, sea level, and extreme weather. Much of the report analyzes how each goal may be vulnerable to these stressors, such as higher pollution from more extreme rainfall, changes in habitats from rising seas and temperatures, and threats to the
Ecological Enhancement of Coastal and Marine InfrastructuresStephanie Camay
This document discusses strategies for decreasing the ecological footprint of coastal and marine infrastructures. It provides an overview of the environmental impacts of coastal development such as habitat loss, pollution, and invasive species. The strategies presented include environmental compensation, ecological engineering, and designing infrastructures to be ecologically active. Ecologically active infrastructures use texture, composition, and macro-design elements to support biological productivity while meeting construction requirements. This enhances biodiversity and ecosystem services without compromising structural integrity. The document advocates for scientists, engineers, and policymakers to collaborate on more sustainable coastal infrastructure design and enhancement.
Sea levels have been rising globally for thousands of years but the rate has accelerated dramatically in the last century due to climate change. This poses risks to coastal areas from permanent inundation, intensified storm damage, and erosion. The City of Santa Barbara conducted a vulnerability assessment to identify risks to human populations, infrastructure, recreation, and ecology from sea level rise. Beaches, harbors, and other coastal assets are most vulnerable. While populations are less exposed currently, infrastructure like roads are at increasing risk from storms. The city aims to update its coastal program to incorporate adaptation strategies like protection, accommodation, and retreat.
This document summarizes a study of erosion control techniques used by homeowners along the Severn River. Through interviews and site observations, the study examined a variety of structural (e.g. bulkheads, revetments) and non-structural (e.g. vegetation) techniques used to stabilize slopes. The location of each technique was mapped using GIS to analyze how factors like slope, elevation, wind exposure, and soil type relate to erosion risks and choice of mitigation approach. The study found that steeper slopes facing areas with higher wind and wave exposure were more prone to erosion. Homeowners with more financial means could implement hybrid structural-nonstructural approaches most effectively.
The document summarizes Karen Heymann's presentation to the Massachusetts Association of Planning Directors Annual Meeting in 2014 on climate change adaptation efforts in Massachusetts. It discusses how higher temperatures, more precipitation, and more extreme weather events will stress infrastructure and harm vulnerable populations. It outlines Governor Patrick's $50 million investment in climate adaptation and a proposed Senate bill to establish a comprehensive statewide adaptation plan. The plan would include vulnerability assessments, regional technical assistance, and a voluntary coastal land buyback program. A broad climate action coalition supports these efforts.
Louisiana In-Lieu-Fee Wetland Mitigation Program Proposal George Howard
The document evaluates Louisiana's mitigation program and recommends improvements to better align it with the state's coastal master plan. It finds the current program over-relies on individual mitigation projects that are not sustainable and do not support integrated coastal protection. It recommends giving higher priority to mitigation banks and in-lieu fee programs if located strategically, and creating a state-operated in-lieu fee program to increase flexibility and support critical projects. Federal rules need adjusting to address Louisiana's unique coastal challenges.
New efforts in planning for large scale ecosystem restoration in the Sacramen...Cory Copeland
The Delta Stewardship Council (Council) is responsible for promoting the coequal goals of providing a more reliable water supply for California and protecting, restoring, and enhancing the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta ecosystem that forms the upper portion of the San Francisco Bay-Delta estuary. The Council is responsible for writing an enforceable Delta Plan for the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and Suisun Marsh. After a multi-year development process that included extensive public engagement and scientific synthesis, the Council, in 2020, authorized initiation of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) environmental review of its proposed amendment to the Delta Plan focused on ecosystem protection, restoration, and enhancement. The amendment consists of six new and revised ecosystem performance measures, an updated narrative which includes four new and revised policies and 14 recommendations, and seven technical and regulatory appendices. The amendment is novel in that it focuses on landscape-scale process-based restoration, acknowledges the many social benefits from ecosystem restoration, utilizes advanced technical climate change analyses informed by best available science, and employs more rigorous tracking of progress in meeting Delta Plan objectives. The amendment embraces a portfolio of approaches to adaptively manage ecosystems in highly altered and changing landscapes, and strives to reestablish ecological processes in natural communities at a sufficient scale (and with connectivity, complexity, and diversity) to be resilient to land conversion and climate change. This digital poster will describe the collaborative science-driven process the Council used in developing the amendment, the draft currently under environmental review, and lessons for resource managers in other systems facing the challenge of planning ecosystem recovery amidst ongoing anthropogenic stressors and a rapidly changing climate.
“What makes a river so restful to people is that it doesn’t have any doubt - it is sure to get where it is going, and it doesn’t want to go anywhere else.”
Martin County Florida, Artificial Reef ProgramCindy Sullivan
The Martin County Artificial Reef Program aims to restore lost marine habitats and resources through the construction of various artificial reefs. Artificial reefs are constructed using materials like recycled concrete, bridge pilings, ships, and specialized engineered structures. These reefs provide hard substrate and shelter to attract fish and invertebrates. The program also includes monitoring of reef sites, education initiatives, and community involvement to support marine life and local fisheries. The goal is to enhance the environment while fueling sustainable economic and recreational opportunities.
This document discusses the US Army Corps of Engineers' (USACE) initiative called "Engineering With Nature" (EWN), which aims to intentionally align natural and engineering processes to deliver both economic and environmental benefits. It provides the example of "Green Breakwaters," which modifies existing breakwater infrastructure to incorporate fish habitat features. The document summarizes a pilot project modifying breakwater toe blocks in Cleveland Harbor and proposes a similar project enhancing breakwaters in Ashtabula, Ohio. It outlines next steps to advance the EWN approach within USACE projects and research.
John Hankinson, Executive Director, Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Task Force, spoke at the Joint Public Advisory Committee's Resilient Communities in North America workshop in New Orleans on July 9, 2012. More info at http://www.cec.org/Council2012
The document discusses the architecture of buildings in wetland environments and the Wax Lake Delta in Louisiana. It provides background on the need for coastal sustainability and wetland restoration efforts in the Gulf South. The Coastal Sustainability Studio at LSU addresses these challenges through transdisciplinary collaboration between various academic programs. The studio conducted a design experiment focused on building in the Wax Lake Delta, which is a naturally forming delta that provides insights into land building and ecosystem evolution. The document includes diagrams of marsh conditions, facilities of other National Estuarine Research Reserves, and components for building in a deltaic environment. It aims to provide data to support policy decisions around coastal adaptation.
The document provides background information on the Wax Lake Delta in Louisiana. It discusses:
1) The Wax Lake Delta was formed when the Army Corps of Engineers constructed a diversion channel in 1942 directing sediment from the Atchafalaya River, resulting in land building over the past 70 years.
2) The delta provides an ideal natural laboratory for understanding delta formation and serves as a research observatory (DELTA LAB) to provide critical data to validate models of delta prediction and restoration.
3) The DELTA LAB aims to develop dense instrumentation to capture pulsed events like storms that drive the physical, ecological, and geochemical patterns determining delta evolution, in order to fill data gaps needed to advance the
This document summarizes a presentation given to the Delray Beach City Commission about creating a resilient community in response to sea level rise and storm surge. The presentation discusses defining resilience as the ability to bounce back and improve after stresses. It provides data on historic and projected sea level rise for the area. Potential impacts of sea level rise are outlined, including coastal flooding, erosion, saltwater intrusion, and effects on infrastructure and the economy. Partners for creating resilience are identified at the regional, state, and federal levels. The presentation recommends starting a conversation in the community about resilience and forming a coastal hazards adaptation committee to gather information and evaluate policies. It suggests using scenario planning and public engagement to develop a long-term adaptation plan.
The document discusses three main challenges facing Tampa Bay municipalities in increasing their resiliency to sea level rise: educational challenges, definition challenges, and infrastructure challenges. It provides examples of each challenge and recommends actions that can be taken locally to address the challenges, such as preventing new construction in coastal areas, increasing building code standards, and developing long-term plans for protection measures. The document also discusses the Coastal Zoning Management Program and the National Flood Insurance Program as potential tools to help address the challenges.
Accelerated Erosion and Sea Level Rise, The Case for Adaptive PoliciesLisa Granquist
2012 March. Poster presenter. Research, Innovation and Scholarship Expo RISE2012, Northeastern University, Poster title, Accelerated Erosion and Sea Level Rise, The Case for Adaptive Policies.
The introduction of coastal infrastructure can impact marine environments through habitat fragmentation, unnatural materials affecting colonization, and altering intertidal zones and nearshore areas. Infrastructure like breakwaters, groynes, jetties, seawalls, pilings, docks, and aquaculture facilities can change marine life distributions, sediment movement, biodiversity, and water quality. Future research is needed to better understand how ecological processes are affected and species interact on artificial structures to help mitigate human impacts through improved ecological engineering and coastal management.
Shoreline Change in Urban Massachusetts, Time for Retreat?Lisa Granquist
2013 February. Workshop presentation at the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), Annual Meeting, Boston, MA, of co-authored research, Shoreline Change in Urban Massachusetts, Time for Retreat?
This document provides an overview of the environmental health and trends of the New York-New Jersey Harbor Estuary. It discusses how the estuary's natural resources and ecosystems have been degraded by human activity over the past 400 years, including the loss of wetlands, forests, and shallow waters. However, conditions have improved in the last 30 years due to legislation and restoration efforts. The document examines topics such as pollution levels, wildlife populations, and natural areas to assess the current state of the estuary. It highlights ongoing work by agencies and organizations to further protect and restore the estuary.
This document discusses the need for regulatory change to address emerging environmental and societal issues. It provides examples of how public and private stakeholders have worked together to enact regulatory changes. One case study describes how a pilot wastewater reuse project led Massachusetts to develop regulatory guidelines and later formal regulations allowing for expanded uses of reclaimed water. The document advocates for creating flexible regulatory structures through cooperation between regulators and developers.
This book is a catalog of work produced by the school of architecture at Louisiana State University in conjunction with the Chevron Corporation for a shorebase in Venice, Louisiana. All designs investigate unique and futuristic ways to harness the dynamic nature of coastal Louisiana into a reimagined symbiosis.
This book is a catalog of work produced by the school of architecture at Louisiana State University in conjunction with the Chevron Corporation for a shorebase in Venice, Louisiana. All designs investigate unique and futuristic ways to harness the dynamic nature of coastal Louisiana into a reimagined symbiosis.
Climate Change Impacts on the Goals of the New York-New Jersey Harbor Estuary...Sabrina Ramkhelawan
This document summarizes a report submitted to the New York-New Jersey Harbor Estuary Program (HEP) that analyzes how climate change may impact the goals of HEP's 2011-2015 Action Plan. The report was produced by students at Barnard College. It first outlines HEP's five main goals: clean up pollution; improve habitat and ecology; increase public access; support an economically viable port; and increase public education. It then identifies four key climate stressors - increasing temperature, precipitation, sea level, and extreme weather. Much of the report analyzes how each goal may be vulnerable to these stressors, such as higher pollution from more extreme rainfall, changes in habitats from rising seas and temperatures, and threats to the
Ecological Enhancement of Coastal and Marine InfrastructuresStephanie Camay
This document discusses strategies for decreasing the ecological footprint of coastal and marine infrastructures. It provides an overview of the environmental impacts of coastal development such as habitat loss, pollution, and invasive species. The strategies presented include environmental compensation, ecological engineering, and designing infrastructures to be ecologically active. Ecologically active infrastructures use texture, composition, and macro-design elements to support biological productivity while meeting construction requirements. This enhances biodiversity and ecosystem services without compromising structural integrity. The document advocates for scientists, engineers, and policymakers to collaborate on more sustainable coastal infrastructure design and enhancement.
Sea levels have been rising globally for thousands of years but the rate has accelerated dramatically in the last century due to climate change. This poses risks to coastal areas from permanent inundation, intensified storm damage, and erosion. The City of Santa Barbara conducted a vulnerability assessment to identify risks to human populations, infrastructure, recreation, and ecology from sea level rise. Beaches, harbors, and other coastal assets are most vulnerable. While populations are less exposed currently, infrastructure like roads are at increasing risk from storms. The city aims to update its coastal program to incorporate adaptation strategies like protection, accommodation, and retreat.
This document summarizes a study of erosion control techniques used by homeowners along the Severn River. Through interviews and site observations, the study examined a variety of structural (e.g. bulkheads, revetments) and non-structural (e.g. vegetation) techniques used to stabilize slopes. The location of each technique was mapped using GIS to analyze how factors like slope, elevation, wind exposure, and soil type relate to erosion risks and choice of mitigation approach. The study found that steeper slopes facing areas with higher wind and wave exposure were more prone to erosion. Homeowners with more financial means could implement hybrid structural-nonstructural approaches most effectively.
The document summarizes Karen Heymann's presentation to the Massachusetts Association of Planning Directors Annual Meeting in 2014 on climate change adaptation efforts in Massachusetts. It discusses how higher temperatures, more precipitation, and more extreme weather events will stress infrastructure and harm vulnerable populations. It outlines Governor Patrick's $50 million investment in climate adaptation and a proposed Senate bill to establish a comprehensive statewide adaptation plan. The plan would include vulnerability assessments, regional technical assistance, and a voluntary coastal land buyback program. A broad climate action coalition supports these efforts.
Louisiana In-Lieu-Fee Wetland Mitigation Program Proposal George Howard
The document evaluates Louisiana's mitigation program and recommends improvements to better align it with the state's coastal master plan. It finds the current program over-relies on individual mitigation projects that are not sustainable and do not support integrated coastal protection. It recommends giving higher priority to mitigation banks and in-lieu fee programs if located strategically, and creating a state-operated in-lieu fee program to increase flexibility and support critical projects. Federal rules need adjusting to address Louisiana's unique coastal challenges.
New efforts in planning for large scale ecosystem restoration in the Sacramen...Cory Copeland
The Delta Stewardship Council (Council) is responsible for promoting the coequal goals of providing a more reliable water supply for California and protecting, restoring, and enhancing the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta ecosystem that forms the upper portion of the San Francisco Bay-Delta estuary. The Council is responsible for writing an enforceable Delta Plan for the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and Suisun Marsh. After a multi-year development process that included extensive public engagement and scientific synthesis, the Council, in 2020, authorized initiation of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) environmental review of its proposed amendment to the Delta Plan focused on ecosystem protection, restoration, and enhancement. The amendment consists of six new and revised ecosystem performance measures, an updated narrative which includes four new and revised policies and 14 recommendations, and seven technical and regulatory appendices. The amendment is novel in that it focuses on landscape-scale process-based restoration, acknowledges the many social benefits from ecosystem restoration, utilizes advanced technical climate change analyses informed by best available science, and employs more rigorous tracking of progress in meeting Delta Plan objectives. The amendment embraces a portfolio of approaches to adaptively manage ecosystems in highly altered and changing landscapes, and strives to reestablish ecological processes in natural communities at a sufficient scale (and with connectivity, complexity, and diversity) to be resilient to land conversion and climate change. This digital poster will describe the collaborative science-driven process the Council used in developing the amendment, the draft currently under environmental review, and lessons for resource managers in other systems facing the challenge of planning ecosystem recovery amidst ongoing anthropogenic stressors and a rapidly changing climate.
“What makes a river so restful to people is that it doesn’t have any doubt - it is sure to get where it is going, and it doesn’t want to go anywhere else.”
Martin County Florida, Artificial Reef ProgramCindy Sullivan
The Martin County Artificial Reef Program aims to restore lost marine habitats and resources through the construction of various artificial reefs. Artificial reefs are constructed using materials like recycled concrete, bridge pilings, ships, and specialized engineered structures. These reefs provide hard substrate and shelter to attract fish and invertebrates. The program also includes monitoring of reef sites, education initiatives, and community involvement to support marine life and local fisheries. The goal is to enhance the environment while fueling sustainable economic and recreational opportunities.
This document discusses the US Army Corps of Engineers' (USACE) initiative called "Engineering With Nature" (EWN), which aims to intentionally align natural and engineering processes to deliver both economic and environmental benefits. It provides the example of "Green Breakwaters," which modifies existing breakwater infrastructure to incorporate fish habitat features. The document summarizes a pilot project modifying breakwater toe blocks in Cleveland Harbor and proposes a similar project enhancing breakwaters in Ashtabula, Ohio. It outlines next steps to advance the EWN approach within USACE projects and research.
John Hankinson, Executive Director, Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Task Force, spoke at the Joint Public Advisory Committee's Resilient Communities in North America workshop in New Orleans on July 9, 2012. More info at http://www.cec.org/Council2012
The document discusses the architecture of buildings in wetland environments and the Wax Lake Delta in Louisiana. It provides background on the need for coastal sustainability and wetland restoration efforts in the Gulf South. The Coastal Sustainability Studio at LSU addresses these challenges through transdisciplinary collaboration between various academic programs. The studio conducted a design experiment focused on building in the Wax Lake Delta, which is a naturally forming delta that provides insights into land building and ecosystem evolution. The document includes diagrams of marsh conditions, facilities of other National Estuarine Research Reserves, and components for building in a deltaic environment. It aims to provide data to support policy decisions around coastal adaptation.
The document provides background information on the Wax Lake Delta in Louisiana. It discusses:
1) The Wax Lake Delta was formed when the Army Corps of Engineers constructed a diversion channel in 1942 directing sediment from the Atchafalaya River, resulting in land building over the past 70 years.
2) The delta provides an ideal natural laboratory for understanding delta formation and serves as a research observatory (DELTA LAB) to provide critical data to validate models of delta prediction and restoration.
3) The DELTA LAB aims to develop dense instrumentation to capture pulsed events like storms that drive the physical, ecological, and geochemical patterns determining delta evolution, in order to fill data gaps needed to advance the
This document summarizes a presentation given to the Delray Beach City Commission about creating a resilient community in response to sea level rise and storm surge. The presentation discusses defining resilience as the ability to bounce back and improve after stresses. It provides data on historic and projected sea level rise for the area. Potential impacts of sea level rise are outlined, including coastal flooding, erosion, saltwater intrusion, and effects on infrastructure and the economy. Partners for creating resilience are identified at the regional, state, and federal levels. The presentation recommends starting a conversation in the community about resilience and forming a coastal hazards adaptation committee to gather information and evaluate policies. It suggests using scenario planning and public engagement to develop a long-term adaptation plan.
The document discusses three main challenges facing Tampa Bay municipalities in increasing their resiliency to sea level rise: educational challenges, definition challenges, and infrastructure challenges. It provides examples of each challenge and recommends actions that can be taken locally to address the challenges, such as preventing new construction in coastal areas, increasing building code standards, and developing long-term plans for protection measures. The document also discusses the Coastal Zoning Management Program and the National Flood Insurance Program as potential tools to help address the challenges.
RHDHV_Coastal and Metocean specialist studiesMatthijs Bos
This document discusses coastal and river protection studies conducted by Royal HaskoningDHV. It outlines the challenges facing coastal and river areas from forces of nature and development. Royal HaskoningDHV takes an integrated approach using modeling software to study processes like tides, waves, sediment transport and morphology. This helps advise clients on issues like flood protection and development while minimizing environmental impacts. Areas of expertise include metocean, coastal and morphological studies conducted with software like Delft3D, MIKE21 and in-house tools to simulate physical processes and predict outcomes.
This document summarizes the findings of the New England Climate Adaptation Project's work in Wells, Maine from 2012 to 2014. The project aimed to raise public awareness of climate change risks and adaptation opportunities through role-playing workshops. The workshops engaged local residents and found that they helped participants gain new perspectives, recognize local responsibility for action, see how to incorporate climate planning into everyday decisions, identify barriers to action, and suggest ways to move forward with adaptation.
Community engagement on adaptation to sea level changeNeil Dufty
A change in mean sea levels will require new ways to estimate flood risk, and ways
to mitigate this risk. This paper looks at the process of developing Adaptation Plans,
which are suburb specific studies on the risks and options for potential sea level rise,
and the key component of successful adaptation planning, community engagement.
Many coastal decision makers are actively assessing options to manage coastal
flood risk that incorporates rising sea levels. These adaptation options are broadly
grouped into three categories - protect, accommodate or retreat and each option has
its costs and benefits. The mix of options chosen largely depends on the attitudes
and perspectives of the community at risk - without their support, decisions within a
democratic political system are unlikely to be successful.
This paper reports the findings of a large survey and series of workshops of ‘at risk’
residents within Lake Macquarie Local Government Area. The survey helped gauge
their preferences for management options and decision-making considerations.
Following on from this survey is the current work on community engagement as part
of developing Adaptation Plans. This engagement is using an innovative
collaborative approach to engaging the community on sea level rise and adaptation
that focuses on building the capacity of Council and the community to work together
to find a solution that sticks.
The usefulness of this research is to increase understanding on the key concerns of
community to coastal adaptation, and more effective collaborative engagement on a
topic that is often controversial. As a result, this work aims to develop management
strategies that are more appealing to those at risk and the wider community.
DSD-INT 2015 - unique delft3 d applications in the usa- edwin eliasDeltares
Deltares is a Dutch research institute focused on water management. It has over 850 staff working on developing and applying expert knowledge to sustainable development of deltas, coasts, and rivers. Deltares has been collaborating with USGS to apply its modeling capabilities to coastal systems in the US, including the Columbia River, Puget Sound, and San Francisco Bay. Key areas of collaboration include understanding sediment processes, developing community models to assess climate change impacts, and applying models to inform management of dredging, flooding, and ecosystem restoration.
Pathways for Coastal Adaptation in Metro Vancouver, Alexandra Heather RUTLEDGEGlobal Risk Forum GRFDavos
6th International Disaster and Risk Conference IDRC 2016 Integrative Risk Management - Towards Resilient Cities. 28 August - 01 September 2016 in Davos, Switzerland
Deltares is a leading research institute for water and subsurface issues based in the Netherlands. It was formed in 2008 by the merger of four Dutch organizations with expertise in these areas. Deltares employs 900 experts and has an annual turnover of €100 million, with 75% of its work in Europe and 25% elsewhere. The institute develops knowledge, innovative products and services to enable safe, clean, and sustainable living in deltas, coastal areas, and river basins around the world through consulting, research programs, and knowledge sharing.
Maintaining Rain Gardens: Lessons Learned from Kansas State University
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For more information, Please see websites below:
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Organic Edible Schoolyards & Gardening with Children =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851214 ~
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Double Food Production from your School Garden with Organic Tech =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851079 ~
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Free School Gardening Art Posters =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159 ~
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Increase Food Production with Companion Planting in your School Garden =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159 ~
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Healthy Foods Dramatically Improves Student Academic Success =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851348 ~
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City Chickens for your Organic School Garden =
http://scribd.com/doc/239850440 ~
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Simple Square Foot Gardening for Schools - Teacher Guide =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851110 ~
Dennis G. Lambert is a civil and environmental engineer with 27 years of experience specializing in coastal, marine, and environmental engineering projects. He has a Master's degree in environmental engineering from Tulane University and is a registered professional engineer in Louisiana. He has worked on numerous coastal restoration, flood protection, and ecosystem restoration projects along the Louisiana and Mississippi coastlines involving hydraulic modeling, navigation impacts, and barrier island restoration. His experience also includes work on marine terminals, dredging projects, and flood risk assessments. He is an active member of several professional engineering organizations.
Dennis G. Lambert is a civil and environmental engineer with 27 years of experience specializing in coastal, marine, and environmental engineering projects. He has a Master's degree in environmental engineering from Tulane University and is a registered professional engineer in Louisiana. He has worked on numerous coastal restoration, flood protection, and ecosystem restoration projects along the Louisiana and Mississippi coastlines involving hydraulic modeling, navigation impacts, and barrier island restoration. His experience also includes work on marine terminals, dredging projects, and flood risk assessments. He is an active member of several professional engineering organizations.
Deltares capabilities & international projectsMarcel Bruggers
This document provides an overview of Deltares, a Dutch independent institute focused on water, soil, and subsurface issues. It describes Deltares' capabilities including its 800+ employees and various research facilities for studies related to coastal safety, flood risk management, river management, water quality, and software projects. The document also briefly mentions some of Deltares' international projects providing consulting services to countries around the world.
Aquatic connectivity - Prof. Brian Fry ACEAS Grandaceas13tern
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This document summarizes a newsletter from the PSPD program at Pratt Institute. It discusses several waterfront planning projects led by PSPD faculty and students that focused on creating inclusive, diverse public spaces:
1) A project in Honolulu aimed to make the waterfront accessible to all ages, incomes, and ethnicities through features like a cultural gathering space, educational facilities on cultural history, and a market featuring local farmers.
2) In Cleveland, the goal was to unite the city's neighborhoods through a shared waterfront vision with flexible spaces for different cultures to share food, music and performances.
3) In Yonkers, engaging the diverse community to propose 10 destinations for the waterfront helped
This document summarizes a newsletter from the PSPD program at Pratt Institute. It discusses several waterfront planning projects led by PSPD faculty and students that focused on creating inclusive, diverse public spaces:
1) A project in Honolulu aimed to create a community cultural gathering place on the waterfront that celebrates the diverse cultures of the local community.
2) A project in Cleveland developed a vision for the downtown lakefront with flexible public spaces where residents of the diverse neighborhoods could interact and different cultures could share their traditions.
3) A project in Yonkers used the "Power of Ten" approach of identifying 10 destinations along the waterfront tailored to serve the broadly diverse local population.
This document summarizes a presentation on climate change adaptation planning and Massachusetts policy updates. It discusses the impacts of climate change on natural resources, human health, infrastructure, and the economy in the Northeast US. Adaptation means increasing community resiliency by reducing vulnerability. The presentation covers landscape-level planning, improving infrastructure resiliency, sustainable building practices, and Massachusetts legislation on comprehensive adaptation planning and funding support for these efforts.
This document summarizes an academic design studio that investigated development opportunities along the Toronto waterfront utilizing the city's connection to the Great Lakes freshwater basin. The studio involved a collective urban design proposal and individual building designs by 11 students. Their projects explored various ways to apply and connect to freshwater resources through functions like recreation, energy, and more. The studio aimed to advance sustainable use and conservation of this important global freshwater asset.
Senior Thesis Project on using Landscape
Architecture for Disaster Reduction and Response. Analyzing the current ruling by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to remove all vegetation from levees. Created recommendations to improve the functioning and safety of the Yolo Bypass that facilitates flood waters away from the greater Sacramento area.
Explore the essential graphic design tools and software that can elevate your creative projects. Discover industry favorites and innovative solutions for stunning design results.
Practical eLearning Makeovers for EveryoneBianca Woods
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Architectural and constructions management experience since 2003 including 18 years located in UAE.
Coordinate and oversee all technical activities relating to architectural and construction projects,
including directing the design team, reviewing drafts and computer models, and approving design
changes.
Organize and typically develop, and review building plans, ensuring that a project meets all safety and
environmental standards.
Prepare feasibility studies, construction contracts, and tender documents with specifications and
tender analyses.
Consulting with clients, work on formulating equipment and labor cost estimates, ensuring a project
meets environmental, safety, structural, zoning, and aesthetic standards.
Monitoring the progress of a project to assess whether or not it is in compliance with building plans
and project deadlines.
Attention to detail, exceptional time management, and strong problem-solving and communication
skills are required for this role.
Discovering the Best Indian Architects A Spotlight on Design Forum Internatio...Designforuminternational
India’s architectural landscape is a vibrant tapestry that weaves together the country's rich cultural heritage and its modern aspirations. From majestic historical structures to cutting-edge contemporary designs, the work of Indian architects is celebrated worldwide. Among the many firms shaping this dynamic field, Design Forum International stands out as a leader in innovative and sustainable architecture. This blog explores some of the best Indian architects, highlighting their contributions and showcasing the most famous architects in India.
3. Fabricating the Delta 6
The challenge of sustaining the ecological, settlement, and economic framework
of the coast is one of the Gulf South’s most pressing issues. The mission of the
LSU Coastal Sustainability Studio is to address this challenge.
The Coastal Sustainability Studio (CSS) is a trans-disciplinary program of the
College of Art & Design, College of Engineering, and the School of the Coast
& Environment. At CSS, scientists, engineers, and designers come together to
intensively study and respond to issues of settlement, coastal restoration, flood
protection, and the economy. CSS brings together disciplines that normally work
separately to respond to critical coastal issues in a comprehensive way.
The CSS approach centers on supporting resilient human communities in the
dynamic Gulf of Mexico environment. These communities face tremendous
challenges, many of which are not being solved because the various disciplines
alone cannot cope with the complexity and enormity of the problems. CSS was
created as a trans-disciplinary institute for this reason and works to envision and
design sustainable systems that reduce vulnerability to increased storm strength,
coastal hazards, habitat degradation, and global environmental change.
The LSU Coastal Sustainability Studio provided financial, planning, and
institutional support for the course. CSS works to envision and design sustainable
systems that reduce vulnerability to increased storm strength, coastal hazards,
habitat degradation, and global environmental change. The results of this design
experimentation provide a sound basis for major policy decisions for adaptation
through more sustainable land-use planning protection, and education
Studio collaborations with Dr. Robert Twilley, executive director of the Louisiana
Sea Grant Program.
Work complied by Kelli Cunningham, LSU Architecture + Landscape Architecture
Graduate Student. Kayla Bosarge LSU Architecture Graduate Student and
Jennifer Trippett. Photos by Shelby Doyle, Jennifer Trippett, Ana Orosco, and
the students of ARCH 4993.
Top Right, CSS Work Pinned up, CSS
Bottom Right, Mudscapes, CSS entry and
finalist in the 2014 ONE Prize.
Coastal Sustainability Studio
4. Fabricating the Delta 8
Canadian Pavilion, Venice Biennale, 2014
(Dezeen)
Landscape Relationships Exhibit, LSU
2015, Kelli Cunningham, Landon Pugh,
Karl Schmidt
ARCH 4993 Students
Alexis Malone
Andrea Hendrickson
Karl Schmidt
Kathleen Autilio
Kayla Bosarge
Cody Drago
Kelli Cunningham
James Babin
Ethan Jordan
Landon Pugh
Sara Loquist
Jennifer Price
Cole Rhodes
Reagan Rispone
Travis Dickerson
Yao Lui
This course explores digital modeling and fabrication as means for producing dynamic
and interactive models of Louisiana’s riparian and deltaic environments. These models
will frame and question our understanding the urban and architectural future of the
Gulf Coast. This work will serve as research and prototyping for a permanent exhibition
space for the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority’s Expanded Small Scale
Physical Model, a flagship project of the Baton Rouge Water Campus.
Beginning with research and imagery produced by the Coastal Sustainability Studio
Visualization Team students will construct prototypes of exhibition content using the
LSU Design School woodshop as well as available digital fabrication technologies
including CNC Routing, CNC Milling, 3D Printing, and Laser Cutting. This will be
supplemented the integration of interactive sensing technology, primarily Arduino,
and projections. Work will be done iteratively, individually and in small groups.
Projects are grouped into the following categories:
1. Land / Water Interfaces
2. Sediment / Dredging
3. The Levee / Urban Space
4. Diversions / Spillways
5. Building / Ground Interfaces
Course Description
Shelby Elizabeth Doyle is a Visiting Assistant Professor at Louisiana State University
School of Architecture and a Research Fellow at the LSU Coastal Sustainability Studio.
Her research examines architecture’s potential agency and disciplinary relevance
to the urban future of the Gulf South. This research began a 2011-2012 Fulbright
Research Fellow based in Phnom Penh, Cambodia entitled City of Water: Architecture,
Infrastructure, and the Floods of Phnom Penh and can be found at cityofwater.
wordpress.com. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the University
of Virginia and Master of Architecture degree from the Harvard Graduate School of
Design.
Instructor
5. Fabricating the Delta 10
Coastal Restoration and Protection Authority
The CPRA is established as the single state entity with authority to articulate
a clear statement of priorities and to focus development and implementation
efforts to achieve comprehensive coastal protection for Louisiana.
The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority’s mandate is to develop,
implement, and enforce a comprehensive coastal protection and restoration
Master Plan.
For the first time in Louisiana’s history, this single state authority is integrating
coastal restoration and hurricane protection by marshaling the expertise
and resources of the Department of Natural Resources, the Department of
Transportation and Development and other state agencies, to speak with one
clear voice for the future of Louisiana’s coast.
Working with federal, state and local political subdivisions, including levee
districts, the CPRA is working to establish a safe and sustainable coast that
will protect our communities, the nation’s critical energy infrastructure and our
bountiful natural resources for generations to come.
Top Right, CPRA Work within the
Wetlands, Marsh Planting
Bottom Right, Coastline restoration
Bottom Far Right, Collecting water
samples
6. Fabricating the Delta 12
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ASSIGNMENT 1 14
Image to Surface to Model
ASSIGNMENT 2 18
Image To Surface To Print
ASSIGNMENT 3 24
Projection+Laser Cut Model
ASSIGNMENT 4 28
laser cut + void + resin + projection
ASSIGNMENT 5 32
CNC milling + water + projection
ASSIGNMENT 6 36
Test Projections On Different Materials
Group 01 Delta Over Time 40
How to represent changing bathymetry / topography over time?
Group 02 Deltaic Scale 44
Prompt: How to represent the scale of a site this large and flat?
Group 03 Sediment Deposition 48
How to represent natural systems impact on deltaic system?
Group 04 Deltaic Disturbances 52
How to represent disturbances in the deltaic system?
Group 05 Land and Water 56
How to represent where land and water ends?
Exhibits 60
Work by LSU landscape architecture and architecture students
7. Fabricating the Delta 14
The Hurricane Katrina disaster of August 2005 highlighted a problem
recognized for decades: the Mississippi River Delta (MRD) is sinking, resulting in
extensive loss of wetlands and increasing the exposure of urban and industrial
infrastructuretocoastalstorms[Fischetti2001;NRC2005].Byfarthelargestcontributing
factor to wetlands loss has been the construction of flood control levees along the
lower Mississippi River, that has cutting off the river from its surrounding delta plain,
thus converting the river into a pipeline that shunts water and sediment to the Gulf of
Mexico and starves the wetlands of sediment [Day et al. 2005]. The land-loss problem
will be exacerbated further with eustatic sea level rise [Blum & Roberts 2009], which
is a problem facing deltas and depositional coastlines the world over [Syvitski et al.
2009; Vörösmarty et al. 2009]. The urgent need for large- scale wetland restoration
through the diversion of Mississippi River water and sediments has been recognized
throughout the restoration community [Day et al. 2003; Mitsch & Day 2006; Mitsch
et al. 2005, CPRA 2007]. This management strategy uses diversion control structures
from the Mississippi River to deliver freshwater and sediments to declining wetland
areas (e.g., Barataria Bay and Breton Sound) [[Delaune et al. 2008; Day et al. 2005,
2007; Keddy et al. 2007; Lane et al. 2006]. These early diversions were not designed to
capture sediment from the river and cannot be expected to build significant land, but
they do restore seasonal freshwater pulses to the estuary. Large-scale river diversions
that can deliver coarse sediment are needed to build wetlands. This concept has been
modeled and projects 1,000 km2 of new wetlands can be built with the Mississippi
River within a century [Kim et al. 2009].
One of the major challenges facing large-scale delta restoration is confidence
that the trajectory of delta growth and decay of these new subdeltas will build land
and promote wetland ecology as predicted in mathematical and physical models. The
Wax Lake Delta (WLD) is living proof that land building in the face of sea level rise
and subsidence is possible, as long as a substantial sediment supply is available in a
shallow depositional region. Thus, the WLD is both an inspiring analog for engineered
diversions of the Mississippi River, and an ideal natural laboratory to understand
the ecogeomorphic evolution of growing delta lobes. Delta restoration requires
calibrated predictive models for design and scenario analysis that are grounded in
comprehensive field-based data sets. There is no facility anywhere in the world that can
provide such data sets. The DELTA LAB research observatory at WLD provides critical
data to the worldwide research community focusing on evolution and restoration of
prograding delta environments. The delta is developing in shallow bayhead near the
Far Left, Wax Lake Delta Vegetated
horizon
Left, Wax Lake Delta Marsh Vegetation
WAX LAKE DELTA
8. Fabricating the Delta 16
with lease agreement by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
The accuracy of land building models is completely dependent upon the breadth and
accuracy of the field data available development and verification. While more detailed
numerical models are currently being developed to investigate the physical controls
over fine scale channel structure [Edmonds & Slingerland 2010] the data sets need to
validate them are not currently available. The ecological, nutrient biogeochemical,
and storm surge reduction attributes of delta models are also still being developed
and are limited by a lack of large spatial and temporal data sets. These types of
models are critical to predicting the benefits that large-scale coastal and ecological
restoration projects can provide society and when developed will be an integral part
of the restoration management practice in Louisiana as well as other deltas around
the world. Deltas exemplify the strong coupling across disciplinary boundaries that we
recognize as characteristic of Earth-surface dynamics [Committee on Challenges and
Opportunities in Earth Surface Processes 2010]. We stress also that engineering is, in
effect, folded into the entire effort as the basic-science research increasingly strives to
produce engineering-style predictions of the outcomes of specific designs and actions.
Finally, the problem of predicting delta evolution and dynamics is as scientifically rich
as it is socially important. Given that hundreds of millions of people worldwide live or
depend on low-lying depositional coasts, human impacts dominate coastal dynamics
(e.g. by modifying channel patterns, building levees, and manipulating water flow);
social factors and social sciences need to be included in the entire framework for delta
management and restoration [Syvitski et al. 2009].
The missing centerpiece in the grand scientific challenge of delta prediction and
restoration is a densely instrumented delta observatory to provide the comprehensive
data sets needed to stimulate the whole enterprise. The challenge is to develop a
research environment that captures key pulsed events (e.g. fronts, floods, tropical
storms) that drive the physical, ecological, and geochemical patterns that determine
delta evolution. Our main goal is to develop the instrumentation necessary to capture
such pulsed events in the Wax Lake DELTA LAB observatory. The instruments we
developed at WLD is not a single device but the instrumented delta itself: a dense,
self-activating instrument network designed to capture the full range of relevant
physical-geochemical-ecological linkages associated with such events. The DELTA
LAB described in this proposal represents a critical investment in the development
of a field-based research environment in the emerging discipline of ‘coastal and
ecological engineering’.
Dr. Robert Twilley
Professor, Department of Oceanography
and Coastal Science
Executive Director, Louisiana Sea Grant
College Program
Dr. Chris Paola
National Center for Earth Surface
Dynamics, University of Minnesota
headlands of oldest lobe of the Mississippi River, the Maringouin-Teche. Currently
the WLD receives approximately 30-40% of the total water and sediment discharge
of the Atchafalaya River, which is equivalent to 10-12% of Mississippi River discharge
[McManus 2002; Roberts et al. 2003]. Long-term subaerial land growth of the WLD
is 1.0 - 2.0 km2 yr-1 [Roberts et al. 1997], and the delta front expands at a rate of +/-
0.3 km yr-1 [Parker & Sequierios 2006]. Sediment transport in the WLD is influenced
by seasonal water exchange from river flooding, tidal exchange, cold fronts, and
tropical storms. Winter-spring cold fronts control the inshore to offshore exchange of
water and sediments as river discharge is increasing [Mossa & Roberts 1990]. As river
discharge decreases and winds relax during summer, micro-tides transport sediment-
laden river water to vegetated wetlands. The lowest water discharge occurs during the
fall, when tropical storms periodically move water inshore [Walker 2001]. Interacting
with these geophysical forces is the seasonal growth and mortality of wetland plants
that affect sediment retention in the wetlands [Holm & Sasser 2001]. The delta islands
are colonized by woody, shrub/scrub and herbaceous fresh marsh species that exhibit
zonation along the natural elevation gradient (Visser 1998) these same patterns have
also been documented in the Atchafalaya Delta (Johnson et al 1985, Schaffer et al.
1992).The delta is under state ownership managed as a Wildlife Management Area
Above. Wax Lake Delta marsh
vegetation, Shelby Doyle.
9. Fabricating the Delta 18
Above. Collection of class lasercut topography models
Above Right. Example of projection onto lasercut model,
Kelli Cunningham
Right. Detail of lasercut model produced by Yao Lui
Below. Group setup of lasercut topography models
Below Right. Lasercut model produced by Kelli
Cunningham
ASSIGNMENT 1
The first step in converting the digital image into a physical model was to redefine
the various color coordinates into a grey-scale variant. Adjustments were made to
reflect the low points as black and the high points as white. An attempt to convert
the image into a 3d Rhino model resulted in a severely jagged topography. The
image was blurred which allowed for a smoothing out of the terrain. Once the
surface was created, a base was made to allow for the process of laser cutting a
physical model. Contours were created and the individual pieces were layered
out in accordance with the laser bed requirements. Assembly of the individual
pieces was performed and then the model was lightly sanded to accentuate the
areas of the terrain that were most prominent.
Pictured above is a paperboard lasercut model of the Wax Lake Delta that demonstrates the unique topography of the
landscape, emphasizing the relationship between land and water. This model was created by Karl Schmidt.
Image to Surface to Model
10. Fabricating the Delta 20
Above. Initial digital maps
of land/water condition at
Wax Lake Delta
Left and Below. Rhino 3D
heightened surface digital
models, Landon Pugh
Bottom Right. Lasercut
model by Alexis Malone
Below Left. Detail of
lasercut model, Ethan
Jordan
Bottom Left. Texture
comparison, lasercut
models
Facing Page. Grid of
Lasercut models laid out
to form the topography
of Wax Lake Delta, Entire
Class
Individual lasercut models of Wax Lake Delta topography and bathymetry
11. Fabricating the Delta 22
Left. Model grid of Wax
Lake Delta
Below Left. Detail of
3D-printed model
produced by Jennifer
Price
Below Right. Detail
of 3D-printed model
produced by Reagan
Rispone.
Bottom Left. 3D-printed
model by Karl Schmidt
ASSIGNMENT 2
Beginning with the contour lines achieved from the previous assignment, a smaller
scale 3d rhino model was created. In order to line up the model with the adjacent
models in the delta, a comparitive study was performed to allow a continuous
surface from each piece. Once the 3d digital model was complete, the file was
saved and taken to be processed along with other models. After the 3d printing
was complete, post processing required a salt water solution be sprayed onto
the model to harden the piece. Imagery was collected and combined for the
applicable wax lake delta region and projected onto the completed 3d printed
models.
Depicted above is a collection of all of the 3D-printed topographic models produced by the class, arranged in a grid to
represent the Wax Lake Delta Region. The models are overlaid with digital projections of additional information related
to the land/water condition of the Delta.
Image To Surface To Print
12. Fabricating the Delta 24
Individual 3D-printed models of Wax Lake Delta topography and bathymetry, perspective viewIndividual 3D-printed models of Wax Lake Delta topography and bathymetry
13. Fabricating the Delta 26
Left. Full grid of class
3D-printed topobathy
models
Below. Full grid of
models with projection of
additional data
Facing Page:
Top Right. Detail of
3D-pinted model, Kayla
Bosarge
Top Left. Perspective view
of model grid
Middle Right. Projection on
model, Sara Loquist
Bottom Left. Projection on
model, Kayla Bosarge
Bottom Right. Projection
on model, Sara Loquist
14. Fabricating the Delta 28
Left. Projection on lasercul model, Yao Lui
Right. Lasercut model detail, Ryan
Zerangue
Below Left. Projection stand
demonstration, Cole Rhodes
Bottom. Projection on lasercut model,
Cole Rhodes
ASSIGNMENT 3
Taking the laser cut assembled terrain model, studies were conducted to
determine the most effective way to display data onto the model using a video
projection system. Due to the exaggerated z axis of the physical model, projecting
onto the side provided the most efficient method for delivering information.
Measurements were made to ascertain the correct distance from the model. A
base and stand were designed and built to hold the projector and model at the
predetermined spacing. Trials were conducted in order to properly display all
data and applicable information onto the model.
Foam-board projection stand
mock-up, Landon Pugh
Projection+Laser Cut Model
15. Fabricating the Delta 30
Left. Projector stand construction
process, Cole Rhodes
Below Right. Projection stand
demonstration, Reagan Rispone
Bottom. Lasercut projection stand
mock up, Ethan Jordan
Above. Projector stand, Kayla Bosarge
Above Right. 4 projector side projection,
Kelli Cunningham Right. Projector stand,
Yao Lui
Far Right. Projector stand, Kayla Bosarge
Below Left. Projector stand
demonstration, Yao Lui
Bottom Right. Projection on lasercut
model, Karl Schmidt
16. Fabricating the Delta 32
Left. Lasercut acrylic model of Wax Lake
Delta, process model, Jennifer Price
Below Left. Lasercut acrylic topobathy
model, Karl Schmidt
Below Right. Lasercut acrylic model with
resin, Kelli Cunningham
Bottom Right. Lasercut acrylic model,
process, Reagan Rispone
ASSIGNMENT 4
In opposition to the previous assignments which used the land as the basis
for the physical models, this project made use of the water. Using a previous
assignments terrain model, a model of the water was created then placed within
a box. Contours were created and the project was laser cut and assembled
loosely. A frame was constructed out of foam insulation to hold the laser cut
pieces together to allow for resin to be poured into the created void. During this
process, the resin was not properly contained within the model causing leakage.
After the resin hardened, the model was lightly sanded to remove excess resin.
Using the previous assignments projection stand, the acrylic/resin model was
projected on.
Acrylic lasercut topobathy model filled with resin. Yao Lui
laser cut + void + resin + projection
17. Fabricating the Delta 34
Left. Projection on finished acrylic
model, with resin, Landon Pugh
Below Left. Projection through acrylic
model with resin, Yao Lui
Below Right. Projection on final acrylic
lasercut model with resin, Sara Loquist
Bottom Left. Projection of Wax Lake
Delta Map onto acrylic lasercut model,
Cole Rhodes
Above. Poured resin in mould, Kelli
Cunningham
Right. Assembled acrylic lasercut model,
Travis Dickerson
Below Left. Resin preparation, Alexis
Malone
Bottom Right. Poured resin in acrylic
model, Reagan Rispone
18. Fabricating the Delta 36
Top Left. Topography model filled with
water
Top Right. CNC-milled foam in the
form of Wax Lake Delta Topography
Above Right. Projection onto foam
topography model filled with water
Left. Foam coated with spray paint for
waterproofing
ASSIGNMENT 5
This project was performed in collaboration with three additional model pieces.
Using acquired bathymetry, a rhino model was created of the four areas of the wax
lake delta. The depth of the bathymetry was exaggerated to allow for maximum
depth possible for the size of the modeling material. A surface was created from
the contour lines, then a box was created beneath the surface to the dimensions
of the material being used. The file was processed and encoded into the CNC
milling machine. Once the model was milled, the excess material was trimmed
away and the milled area of the model was lightly cleaned. Using non-acrylic
spray paint, the model was coated white then filled with water to simulate the
condition of the delta. An image was created projecting contour lines onto the
model emphasizing the depth of the area.
Projection of bathymetry contour lines onto CNC-milled foam model filled with water. Jennifer Price.
CNC milling + water + projection
19. Fabricating the Delta 38
Above. CNC-milled foam model
waterproofed with spraypaint, Travis
Dickerson
Right. Contour model projection used on
foam model, Yao Lui
Far Right. Projection on water in CNC-
milled model, Alexis Malone
Bottom Left. CNC-milled foam model,
Kala Bosarge, Kelli Cunningham, Landon
Pugh
Bottom Right. Projection of topography
lines onto CNC-milled model
Left. Rhino digital 3D-model of Wax Lake
Delta topography, Yao Lui
Far Left. Rhino digital 3D-model, Travis
Dickerson
Below Left. CNC-milling process
Below Right. CNC-milling process
Bottom. CNC-milling process
20. Fabricating the Delta 40
Right. Projection on Corks, Jennifer Price
Below Left. Projection of black and white control image,
Ethan Jordan
Bottom Left 1. Projection on tarp, Reagan Rispone
Bottom Left 2. Projection on strips of paper, Travis
Dickerson
Bottom Right. Projection on Hydrocal, Ethan Jordan
ASSIGNMENT 6
This assignment tested the success and failures of a projecting the original
topography models on a range of different materials. Tests included textures of
different scales, colors, and materials, and the projections used included a series
of architectural drawings, diagrams, maps, and art as well as the topography
map. A black and white image and a color image were used for comparison.
With each test of the topography model projection on different surfaces, we
examined color, lines, and text. The purpose of this study was to see which
materials act as a visually readable base for a projection to cast on. Examples are
shown here.
Projection of topography map on pinecones, Jennifer Price
Test Projections On Different Materials
21. Fabricating the Delta 42
Top. Projection on brick, Kayla Bosarge
Top Right. Projection on nails, Jennifer
Price
Above. Projection on fabric, Sara Loquist
Right. Projection on thermoplastic pellets,
Karl Schmidt
Top Left 1. Projection on styrofoam place,
Kayla Bosarge
Top Left 2. Projection on CDs, Cole
Rhodes
Top Right. Projection on seeds, Reagan
Rispone
Above Left 1+2. Projections on fabric,
Sara Loquist
Below Right. Projection on bamboo
reeds, Jennifer Price
Bottom Left. Projection on grass, Yao Lui
22. Fabricating the Delta 44
Above. Steel armature
detail
Left. Wooden siding detail
Below Left. Full-sized entire
kiosk, final design
Below Right. Detail of
suspended wooden
beads representing
change in topography and
bathymetry levels
The installation shows topographic and bathymetric changes in Wax Lake
Delta between 1941 and 2012. While topography and bathymetry datasets are
represented as continuous, this data is extrapolated from collections of point
data; in addition, a continuous method of representation is not well attuned to
the characteristics of deltaic environments. As such, topography [ air / land ] and
bathymetry [ land / water ] are shown via a point cloud representing the changes
in elevation and depth at the intersection of a nominal grid and the Wax Lake
Delta. In addition to the altered means of representation, the use of a point cloud
also imbues an ephemerality and the suggestion of continual movement and
change.
Project team :
Kelli Cunningham M.Arch/MLA 2016
Landon Pugh M.Arch 2015
Karl lane Schmidt M.Arch/MLA 2016
Group 01 Delta Over Time
How to represent changing bathymetry / topography over time?
23. Fabricating the Delta 46
Above. Concept image
“Kinetic Sculpture BMW”
by Joachim Sauter
Left. Study model of bathymetry change
Far Left. Interior of lower kiosk box,
suspension details
Below. Change over time logo and
description
Top. Interior motors run by arduino
technology inside of the kiosk to change
the bead elevation
Above Left. Detail, interactive panel
(ipad) on kiosk tabletop
Above Right. Armature construction
detail
Left. Final full-sized kiosk with open side
Facing Page:
Bottom Left. Final kiosk design wooden
surface detail
24. Fabricating the Delta 48
Above. Kiosk surface
with interactive and
informational elements
Above Right. Acrylic
engraved map projection
surface
Below. Detail of final pin
impression point cloud
model
Bottom Right. Full-size built
final kiosk design
The most difficult part of fabricating the Wax Lake delta was how to represent a
landscape so vast and flat in a way that is both informative and experiential. Early
investigations proved that an exaggerated Z axis section model was necessary
to provide an accurate yet skewed informative model. Along with the section
model, another aspect of the kiosk should show the experiential aspect of the
delta - the emergence of the landscape. The final decision was made to create
a pin impression point cloud model that not only shows the emergence of
landscape but also begins to represent this idea of “wetland.”
The design of the kiosk was discovered around the desire for a 360 degree
viewing angle. Much like exhibits in museums that occupy the center of a space,
the kiosk contains information that engages the viewer from all four angles. The
exhibit is compositionally structured to read as two major intersecting forms. The
pieces that are white and acrylic create the structure for the two models, while the
black members display the text and other information. Originally, a projection
containing an animation and information was to be displayed onto the section
model originating inside one of the black arms of the kiosk and reflecting off
of a mirror in order to gain the required depth for a wide projection. This later
changed to the projector shining from below the section model.
Project team :
James Babin B. Arch 2017
Cody Drago B. Arch 2015
Andrea Hendrickson B. Arch 2017
Group 02 Deltaic Scale
Prompt: How to represent the scale of a site this large and flat?
25. Fabricating the Delta 50
Using bathemtry and topographical data,
the section model was created with an
exaggerated Z axis of x500. At a scale of
1” = 875’-0”, the model covers 21,000 feet
longitudinally and 5,250 feet transversely.
Investigations in this exaggerated section
reveals the location of the delta’s deepest
channels and largest land growth areas.
The highest landmass proves to be about
5 feet above sea level at its peak, which
would be represented at only .0057”
high if the model were scaled accurately.
The deepest channel, located at the
Northernmost part of the delta, is 9 feel
below sea level.
The model is created using bathemetry
data provided by the LSU Coastal
Sustainability Studio. A section of the
main channel of the Wax Lake Delta is
surfaced and then exaggerated. Once
exaggerated, the model is scaled down
and then contoured 96 times at 1/16”,
then laser cut into acrylic. When the acrylic
model is assembled, it is sealed and then
casted with colored resin to represent
water. A projection is later added that
provides an animation of section cuts
running across the model that guides
the viewer’s eye along the changing
elevations.
Above. Detail of pin impression point
cloud model
Above Center. Rhino, vertically
exaggerated surface model
Above Right. Pouring resin into acrylic
model
Right. Digital rendering of final kiosk
design
Left. Acrylic lasercut topobathy model in
process
Below. Entire point cloud model in action
26. Fabricating the Delta 52
Top Left. Support construction detail
Top Right. Final basswood and acrylic
model filled with sand to represent
sediment flow
Above Left. Sand falling through delta
model
Right. Final full-sized kiosk
Unlike most of Coastal Louisiana, which is suffering from subsidence and wetland loss,
the Wax Lake Delta is building wetlands. This kiosk intends to highlight the process of
prograde through demonstrating the deposition and accumulation of sediment. It will also
examine the intersection of man-made intervention with natural development and explore
the potentiality of the sediment deposition process in rebuilding Louisiana’s disappearing
coastlne.
The Sediment Deposition kiosk was inspired by this simple use of materials. We decided to
expose the structure, and did not attempt to hide connections, fasteners, and armatures.
The technology is also visible, usually behind plexiglass, so that the viewer can see the inner
workings; arduino, chords, plugs, and all.
The kiosk consists of three main materials: wood, metal, and plexiglass. The structure can
also be disassembled by removing bolts and screws, nails and glue were used sparingly.
This makes the kiosk easily moveable or stored when not on display.
Project team :
Ethan Jordan M. Arch 2016
Yao Liu MLA 2015
Cole Rhodes B. Arch 2015
Ryan Zerangue B. Arch 2015
Group 03 Sediment Deposition
How to represent natural systems impact on deltaic system?
27. Fabricating the Delta 54
We moved away from a digital interactive display towards a physical representation. The Wax
Lake Delta topobathy model was enclosed and filled with sand to represent sediment. The
model was allowed to rotate so gravity would cause the sand to fall over the bathymetry surface,
representing sediment flow. To demonstrate the prograde process, certain sections of the model
would trap the sand, allowing it to build up, while some sand would travel beyond the delta
model, representing the sediment which deposited into the Gulf of Mexico. In addition, the
topobathy model could rotate 360 degrees so that the sand could reset itself. The rotation was
to be controlled by arduino motors, and the speed of rotation would be based on the actual flow
of water through Wax Lake Delta.
The sediment model was based on bathymetry
of the Wax Lake Delta provided by the USGS.
The total model size is 16” x 24”, and consists
of 220 section cuts, with over 400 pieces in
total.
The individual section cuts were numbered,
laser cut on plexiglass, then glued together
with clear silicon. The model was then partially
filled with sand, capped and sealed.
The design was inspired by an hourglass.
However, the sand, representing sediment
would build up in certain areas while pass
through others unobstructed.
Top. Lasercut process image
Above Left. Rhino digital image of
sediment model
Above Center. Kiosk leg brace
construction detail
Above Right. Construction detail, housing
for power strip
Left. Rotating panel study model
Facing Page:
Left. Final full-sized kiosk design in
perspective
Top Right. Final kiosk front elevation
28. Fabricating the Delta 56
Above Left. Information projection
onto model
Top Right. Final full-sized kiosk with
interactive panel
Above Right. Detail of interactive
map showing oil spill scenarios
Left. Digital projection detail of
bathymetry, oil wells, platforms, and
pipelines, on milled model
Accidental and inevitable coastal disturbances effect deltaic systems, producing
calamitous aftermaths that challenge the sluggish growth of the Louisiana
Coast. These disturbances are distinguished through manmade disturbances
and nature disturbances. In the context of our site, the Wax Lake Delta,
manmade disturbances are shown through pollution in the form of oil spills due
to the amount of oil wells within our site parameters. The primary concern of oil
meeting land is soil degradation, which “is defined as a change in the soil health
status resulting in a diminished capacity of the ecosystem to provide goods
and services for its beneficiaries.” Although the Louisiana coast is currently at
a fragile state, many ecosystems heavily rely on the land. In the presence of oil
contamination on land, the toxins saturate the ground, preventing water from
being absorbed. Due to the lack of water, this action inhibits the plants from
being nourished. Because all of these ecosystems are interrelated, when one is in
danger, a spiraling trickledown effect arises.
Project team:
Travis Dickerson M. Arch 2016
Sara Loquist M. Arch 2016
Alexis Malone M. Arch 2016
Group 04 Deltaic Disturbances
How to represent disturbances in the deltaic system?
29. Fabricating the Delta 58
Left. MDF CNC-milled model of Wax
Lake Delta
Below Left. Final kiosk
Below Right 1. Process image, drilling
hopes into interactive map for lights
Below Right 2. Process image, interactive
map lights
Below Right 3. Process image, testing
kiosk
Using animated projections, we show two of the possible oil spills scenarios near Wax
Lake Delta, referencing data from the 2010 BP oil spill. One scenario takes place in the
later part of the summer where Wax Lake Delta is more prone to an oil spill reaching its
parameters due to the tide. The second scenario takes place during the winter months
where the tides will direct the spill westward, not affecting Wax Lake Delta.
Oil spill summer projection August 15 to September 19
Oil spill winter projection January 8 to February 12
30. Fabricating the Delta 60
Above. Projection on final Wax
Lake Delta model showing
difference between land and
water
Right. Plaster cast model of the
Delta topography
Far Right. Projection studies
Facing Page. Cardboard Wax
Lake Delta topographic model
This particular kiosk is aimed at developing an understanding of the difference
between land and water and its relationship with the Wax Lake Delta. The kiosk
includes a projector, projected image, hydrocal model, section model, water, a
water-pump operated by Arduino, and an iPad. It was developed over several
months and its process and the final kiosk are presented in this portfolio.
Project team:
Kathleen Autilio M. Arch 2016
Kayla Bosarge M. Arch 2016
Jennifer Price M. Arch 2016
Reagan Rispone M. Arch 2016
Group 05 Land and Water
How to represent where land and water ends?
31. Fabricating the Delta 62
Right. Final Kiosk
Below 1. Final Wax Lake Delta physical
model, covered in plastic
Below 2. Construction detail of interactive
panel (ipad) and button
Below 3. Projection on final model in
kiosk
A series of images were used to create
a video projection showing different
elevations and its relationship with water.
32. Fabricating the Delta 64
Facing Page. Rope, Walk, Breathe, Mixed
Media, 2014, by Sheryl Fishel
Right. Kiosk 1, Kelli Cunningham, Landon
Pugh, Karl Schmidt
Above. Topography beads details
Bottom. Kiosk in Exhibition
This exhibition is collection of models, sculptures, installations, drawings, and
projections of landscapes created by current and former students of the LSU Robert
Reich School of Landscape Architecture and the LSU School of Architecture, curated
by Associate Professor Cathy Marshall.
Landscape Relationships was on display in the LSU Foster Gallery, January 30–February
27, 2015.
Participating artists include:
Kathleen Autilio
James Babin
Kayla Borsage
Elizabeth L. Boudreaux
Jazmin Rosario Castillo
Ry’yan Michael Clark
Kelli Cunningham
Cody Lee David
Travis Dickerson
Erin Dibos
Cody Drago
Sheryl L. Fishel
Marianne Zenobia Garcia
Wesley K. Gentry
Max Sebastian Guzzetta
Andrea Hendrickson
Justine Holzman
Garrett L. Jenkins
Ethan Jordan
Xinyue Ling
Yao Liu
Yifu Liu
Yinan Liu
Sara Loquist
Alexis Malone
Ethan Joseph Nicosia
William Breen Parker
Ruoyi Peng
Jennifer Price
Skipper Pugh
Matthew J. Relyea
Cole Rhodes
Reagan Rispone
James Maxwell Sandlin
Karl Schmidt
Xiwei Shen
Yimeng Wang
Michael A. Webb
Sarah Zelenak
Ryan Zeringue
Landscape Relationships
Work by LSU landscape architecture and architecture students
33. Fabricating the Delta 66
Left. Resin Model Detail
Center. Kiosk 2 in exhibit, pin detail
Below. Pin impression point-cloud model,
detail
Above. Kiosk 2 in exhibit, Cody Drago,
Andrea Hendrickson, James Babin
Right. Acrylic and resin topography
model, detail
34. Fabricating the Delta 68
Top ,Fabricating the Delta Art and
Design Atrium Exhibit, Shelby
Doyle
Bottom, Group 1 Surface,
Fabricating the Delta Art and
Design Atrium Exhibit, Shelby
Doyle
Fabricating the Delta was a Fall 2014 graduate level Architecture and Landscape
Architecture research seminar at the Louisiana State University (LSU) College of Art
+ Design (CoAD) and was taught in collaboration with the LSU Coastal Sustainability
Studio, and the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA), a Louisiana
government agency. This partnership bridged research, practice, and pedagogy
through funded applied design research.
Resulting coursework informed the ongoing Design Development Phase of the
fifteen thousand square foot CPRA River Model Center, a CSS designed project and
a flagship building on the Baton Rouge Water Campus (BRWC) that houses a ten
thousand square foot physical model of the Lower Mississippi River Basin engineered
to test sediment flows, distribution, and land building.
Context
The Louisiana Coast is disappearing at a rate of 16.57 square miles a year, equal
to the loss of a football field of coast every hour. This loss reflects the aggregate
consequences of the anthropocene sooner and faster than possibly anywhere in the
United States. Consequently, the present conditions of the Louisiana Coast represent
several possible scenarios for the future of the nation’s coasts and provide a real-life
context for examining the tools, methods, and practices that will be required to cope
with those consequences.
Fabricating the Delta produced explanatory interactive models of the Wax Lake Delta,
a unique area of active (wet)land building. In 1942 the US Army Corps of Engineers
constructed a river diversion to protect Morgan City from the Atchafalaya River.
Simultaneously, the diversion directed water and sediment to the Wax Lake resulting
in measurable (wet)land building during the last 70 years. The Wax Lake Delta provides
valuable insight into the ecological processes of coastal restoration.
Course
Fabricating the Delta introduced digital fabrication as an act of making, analyzing, and
positioning design in relation to coastal restoration. The course introduced concepts
of bathymetry, topography, and projection through an introduction to laser cutting*,
3D-printing*, CNC milling, casting, and drawing production. The final project was a
full-scale kiosk that presents the relationships between physical models, static images,
text, projected images, maps and animations, interactive screen content. Each group
was provided with a fixed material and fabrication budget, an iPad tablet, a pico-
projector, and a specific question regarding the process of (wet)land building in the
Wax Lake Delta:
How to represent bathymetry / topography over time? *
How to represent the scale of a site this large and flat? *
How to represent natural systems impact on a deltaic system?
How to represent disturbances in the deltaic system?
How to represent a changing land / water gradient?
* Included in exhibit
Atrium Wall Exhibit
Art and Design Commons, Louisiana State University