(Re)introducing co-existence

Abstract

The coast of Paramaribo is predicted to undergo urban expansion due to the growing population of Paramaribo. However, the coast has to do with several challenges; tidal- and urban flooding and coastal erosion. This does not make the coast the most habitable place for urban expansion. The urban, water and soil systems are not functioning in harmony on the coast. Hence, a spatial transition to a dynamic co-existence between the urban-water-soil metabolism is necessary.
With this information, the following research question is formulated “How can an insight into the urban-water-soil metabolism develop a more socially and environmentally resilient coast in Paramaribo?”.
In order to answer this question an analysis was done on the three systems; urban, water and soil. The analysis was concluded with a site visit, which lead to the potential for a general strategy to achieve a resilient coast. As the urban-water-soil metabolism presents itself differently in several areas on the coast, 3 locations were chosen for which a strategy was designed with the help of the pattern deck, which was developed for this project.
The systemic change of the urban, water and soil systems will lead to a resilient coast of Paramaribo. The existing housing and urban expansion will be transformed/designed to be resilient, the urban expansion will be a mixed living and working environment. Tidal flooding will be addressed by strengthening the coast with a green belt and clay dykes. The water management system will be properly maintained and upgraded and the coast will be strengthened and protected from coastal erosion by rehabilitating the depleted mangrove forests. This in turn will also boost biodiversity.
In conclusion, the coast of Paramaribo can become resilient by (re)introducing co-existence of the urban-water-soil metabolism.