Future challenges of Kalmar City : coastal adaptation strategies design in relation to sea level rise

Abstract: Sea level rise has steadily increased and is anticipated to rise further by the end of the century and beyond 2100. Low-lying coastal areas are affected by rising sea levels as they will be more susceptible to flooding and land loss. The main objective of this thesis is to design a holistic future proposal for Barlastholmen and Sylvanderparken in Kalmar City, Sweden. That considers adaptation to rising sea levels and emphasises green and public spaces. The thesis aims to explore how Flexmark coastal adaptation strategy could be utilised in coastal urban areas to adapt to rising sea levels and whether additional strategies would be needed. This is done using the Research by Design method and interactive processes; the work is based on a literature review and a site analysis. The literature review examines coastal adaptation strategies and their principles and structures. The site analysis investigates the current conditions and the identity of the selected areas for future values. The findings from the Literature Review chapter and Site Analysis chapter are the basis for the proposal. The project results show a holistic design proposal for the selected site in 2123. It shows how Barlastholmen and Sylvanderparken could be adapted to sea level rise and how it can create inviting and attractive green and public spaces. The results conclude that the Flexmark strategy can be utilised in the areas designated for recreation, where the site may be susceptible to flooding. However, the result shows that additional strategies are required as the Flexmark strategy was not suitable for the entire selected area. Therefore, additional strategies have been selected as they sufficiently protect specific structures and areas from flooding. The results show a comprehensive proposal combining research with a design to adapt to sea level rise.