LandArchConnect
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2021 Capstone Project

Thomas Plaggemeier

REEFortifying, REEFocusing, REEFueling Waikiki’s South Shore
Biomimicry of tropical reef ecosystems serves as both design methodology and metaphor in this scalable solution to Waikiki’s ongoing problem with sea level rise. With the Pacific Ocean persistently disassembling shoreline structures and flooding ocean-facing buildings and businesses, plus a tourism-driven economy seemingly frozen in a cycle of “impact assess then do nothing,” the people of Honolulu are increasingly forced to answer hard questions:

“Can we live at the water’s edge in harmony with nature?”
“Can ‘beachy’ coastal tourist attractions serve as primary protective infrastructure?”

This redesign of Waikiki’s neglected south shore successfully demonstrates that the best, most resilient, future-proofed, growth-promoting, and responsive solution to Waikiki’s ever worsening climate crises is inspired by nature. Biomimetic designs are smart, naturally harmonious, nature-embracing, adaptive, and beautiful. Utilizing successful templates found in corals and the reefs they create, this project provides ‘phase one’ of a scalable solution that refortifies Waikiki’s vulnerable coastline by refocusing on resilient solutions that continually refuel its tourism-driven economy.

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COLLEGE EDUCATION

Portland State University

HOMETOWN

Valley Stream, NY

FAVORITE HOBBY

Open water swimming

PROFESSIONAL GOAL

Landscape Architect

TO NEXT CAPSTONE STUDENT