Reinforced mangrove protective infrastructure proposed a strategy to strengthen mangrove forests along coastlines, providing a natural protection for coastal communities against the threat of tsunamis. Project author Keith Van de Riet has completed his PhD dissertation and holds a teaching position at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) School of Architecture.

He is currently working with several collaborators to develop the research further and has been pursuing a number of topic areas related to the “Next Generation” prize-winning project. The research team is currently experimenting with a variety of structures, with the objective of completing full-scale experimental installations at FAU shoreline facilities.

Keith Van de Riet also studies the biological metabolism of the trees (for water cleansing purposes) under the BioMOP - Bioremediative Mangrove Oyster Project based in Lemon Bay, Florida. For more information see:

www.kvdrdesign.com

The jury was impressed by the simplicity yet powerful intervention with global relevance. The reinforcement of the mangrove biotope and its function as natural shelter has a multiple positive impact in regard of sustainability. The project postulates an approach that aids in securing communities on the coastal fringe, creating natural beauty to coastal zones, and developing habitats. The proposed structure is low in cost and is of great financial advantage in comparison with the costs for damages it may prevent.

This project addresses a strategy to strengthen mangrove forests along coastlines to reinforce the natural protection of the coastal communities against the threat of tsunamis. This issue with global relevance is taken up with Miami as a case study. The project shows the high capacity of the plant structure to break down the wave’s energy in comparison to vertical walls. To help the re-establishment of mangrove forests and to upgrade the defensive strength of the trees an approach using biomimicry is proposed, copying the structure of the mangroves’ roots.