Type of project:
| Landscape, urban design and infrastructure projects | Start of construction:
| Not Applicable | Main author:
| Keith Joseph Van de Riet, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY,
Center for Architecture,Science and Ecology (CASE), NY, NY, United States |
 Holcim Awards “Next Generation” 1st prize 2011 North America presentation for “Reinforced mangrove protective infrastructure, Miami, FL, USA” (l-r): Member of the jury of the Holcim Awards 2011 North America, Professor Nader Tehrani, Head of Department of Architecture, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, winner Keith Van de Riet, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute , Troy, NY, USA, Center for Architecture, Science and Ecology (CASE), NY, NY and Member of the Management Board of the Holcim Foundation, Alexander Biner
Project description
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. The Reinforced Mangrove Protective Infrastructure at first serves as planting ground for the mangrove seedlings and their protection while growing, secondly the structures supplement the defensive power of the plants against waves. The project provides habitat for the mangrove forests and by extension also for seagrass, coral, fish and shellfish. A supplementary benefit of the reintroduction of the mangrove forests is their filtering capacities for urban and agricultural runoff and their quality as habitat for many species.
Comment of the Holcim Awards jury North America
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.
Image gallery
Reinforced mangrove protective infrastructure, Miami, FL, United States
The project images and photographs shown below can be downloaded immediately in high-resolution format. To download an image, click on the link next to  below any picture. Images may be used for media and academic purposes and must include a photo credit: Photos© Holcim Foundation. For further enquiries please contact info@holcimfoundation.org.
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Reinforced mangrove protective infrastructure, Miami, FL, United States
Reinforced Mangrove Protective Infrastructure: a strategy for integrating the regenerative and protective features of mangrove forests in and around coastal urban development.
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Reinforced mangrove protective infrastructure, Miami, FL, United States
Context: degraded and vulnerable coastlines.
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Reinforced mangrove protective infrastructure, Miami, FL, United States
The mangrove ecosystem.
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Reinforced mangrove protective infrastructure, Miami, FL, United States
Shoreline as departure.
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Reinforced mangrove protective infrastructure, Miami, FL, United States
Structural systems criteria.
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Reinforced mangrove protective infrastructure, Miami, FL, United States
Material distribution.
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Reinforced mangrove protective infrastructure, Miami, FL, United States
”Mangrove-like” landscape.
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Reinforced mangrove protective infrastructure, Miami, FL, United States
Artificial tree colonization.
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Reinforced mangrove protective infrastructure, Miami, FL, United States
Author portrait.
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Holcim Awards 2011 North America presentation ceremony, Washington DC
Holcim Awards "Next Generation" 1st prize 2011 North America presentation for "Reinforced mangrove protective infrastructure" (l-r): jury member, Professor Nader Tehrani, Head of Department of Architecture, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, winner Keith Van de Riet, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute , Troy, NY, USA, and member of the Management Board of the Holcim Foundation, Alexander Biner
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Holcim Awards 2011 North America media breakfast, Washington, DC – October 21, 2011
Winner of Holcim Awards "Next Generation" 1st prize 2011 North America for "Reinforced mangrove protective infrastructure", Keith Van de Riet, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute , Troy, New York, USA.
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