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