Landscape Architecture for Sea Level Rise: Innovative Global Solutions

Zixu Qiao Landscape Architecture for Sea Level Rise

About My Book

I (Zixu Qiao) co-authored Landscape Architecture for Sea Level Rise: Innovative Global Solutions with Dr. Galen Newman in 2022. In this book, we explore how landscape architecture can provide innovative and practical solutions to rising sea levels. Through global research and visual case studies, we illustrate how integrated, multi-scalar flood-protection strategies—ranging from engineered structures to nature-based systems and hybrid mechanisms—can meaningfully reduce the risks associated with sea-level rise and extreme flood events.

Because sea level rise is a global issue, illustrative case studies performed from the United States, Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Japan, China, and the Netherlands identify the structural (engineered), non-structural (nature-based), and hybrid mechanisms (mixed) used to combat sea level rise and increase flood resilience. The alternative flood risk reduction mechanisms are extracted and analyzed from each case study to develop and explain a set of design-based typologies to combat sea level rise which can then be applied to help proctor new and existing communities.

The goal is to help those living or planning within current or future floodplains—designers, planners, policymakers, and community leaders—understand how to strategically implement integrated green and gray infrastructure to safeguard vulnerable areas. As a result, this book has become a useful resource for professionals across many fields, including urban design, planning, architecture, real estate development, and landscape architecture.

 

Awards & Recognition

I’m proud that this book has been honored with several major awards, including:

  • 2024 ASLA Professional Award – Research Category
  • 2024 EDRA Great Places Book Award
  • Recognition as one of ASLA’s Top 12 Books of 2022
  • World Architecture Book of the Year

Purchase the Book

You can find Landscape Architecture for Sea Level Rise: Innovative Global Solutions at several trusted retailers:

If you’re interested in climate adaptation, coastal resilience, or design strategies for the future of our cities and landscapes, I hope this book becomes a valuable guide and inspiration.