(Georgia Institute of Technology, 2014-05-16)
Manley, Canon Randolph
There is a statistically high probability that within this generation's lifetime, the mean sea level in the south eastern coast of the United States will rise from three to six feet above what it is today. The easiest response to this scenario and its complicated and devastating repercussions is to flee, or to put up a wall. This reaction is defending current lifestyles and cultures against the liabilities and complicated problems associated with sea level rise. This thesis asks: "How can we convert the liabilities of sea level rise into assets?" Using Tybee Island of Chatham County, Georgia as a case study, this thesis will answer this question by exploring 5 topics:
1. Understanding sea level rise
2. Understanding barrier islands of coastal Georgia and Tybee Island
3. The current Sea Level Rise Adaptation Plan for Tybee Island and Where it is Lacking
4. A new urban design strategy in planning for sea level rise on Tybee Island
5. Existing instances of aquatic and amphibious architectures and a new type of amphibious architecture for Tybee Island