The Role of Social Responsibility – Agency / Community Engagement - in Architecture

The thesis abstract discusses the role of social responsibility, particularly agency and community engagement, in architecture. It highlights the advent and benefits of floating architecture as a sustainable solution to urban expansion and climate change challenges.

Key points from the abstract include:

1. Floating Architecture: Unlike houseboats, floating structures lack propulsion systems and can be anchored to the shore or seafloor. They are resilient to fluctuating water levels and offer a sustainable solution to rising sea levels.

2. Benefits: Floating architecture mitigates the impact of rising sea levels and provides numerous benefits for both humans and the environment. In densely populated cities, floating foundations offer a novel approach to creating additional building space.

3. Adaptability: There is a growing need for cities to be dynamic, flexible, and environmentally friendly in the face of climate change. This necessitates a shift in mindset about coastal cities, promoting adaptability to the unpredictable needs of modern societies.

4. Architectural Solutions to Climate Change: The abstract categorizes architectural solutions into three types: flood-resilient architecture, floating architecture, and amphibious architecture.

5. Example - Green Float: The “Green Float” is a proposed Mega Floating City by Shimizu Corporation, Japan. The concept integrates “Green Innovation” and “Float Innovation” to achieve a self-sufficient, zero-carbon, and zero-emission city that is unaffected by rising sea levels and offers high flexibility for city growth.

In conclusion, the abstract suggests that floating architecture presents a viable and sustainable solution to urban expansion and climate change challenges, offering a new perspective on future city planning and development. It underscores the importance of social responsibility and community engagement in developing these innovative architectural solutions.