GUIDING DESIGN FOR SEA-LEVEL RISE AND STORM SURGE IN NATIONAL PARKS: AN EXAMPLE AT THE CONFLUENCE OF THE POTOMAC AND ANACOSTIA RIVERS NEAR THE TIDAL BASIN IN WASHINGTON, D.C.

Abstract

Climate change threatens to disrupt human communities and lifestyles globally. Coastal areas in particular face sea-level rise and storm surge issues. Identifying design procedures for climate change design could promote successful implementation and long-term sustainability. Based on existing literature, a set of design criteria is formed to guide the implementation of nature-based design in response to projected sea-level rise in East Potomac Park in Washington, D.C. The design criteria address socio-ecological factors of landscape, planning and design for adaptation and resilience, communicating climate change, and design performance evaluation. The design criteria inform a site design focused on adapting with projected sea-level rise. The design is cross-evaluated with the criteria for robustness. The project connects research with practice by creating a design-science feedback loop and provides a platform for innovative solutions in climate change design in national parks and other landscapes threatened by issues of sea-level rise.