A Rising Tide, A New Blueprint: Rethinking How We Build on the Seacoast

You've probably heard the phrase “a rising tide lifts all ships”, but does this saying still hold true when rising water levels are threatening coastal buildings? Can flooding force us to rethink how we build and connect with the natural world around us?

Uncover lessons from the past in part-two of our podcast series discussing Strawbery Banke Museum’s Sea Level Rise Initiative. Previously, we heard about the unique history of Portsmouth and how coastal flooding threatens to wash away the neighborhood’s past. Today, we explore what it takes to protect a port city’s history, while writing the next chapter.

Up first, John Hyde, Director of Sustainability at Chapman Construction and Design, discusses the five lenses through which construction projects can look at sustainability. John also shares his ‘silver bullet’ solution to reducing carbon emissions while meeting the growing demand for development.

Next, Brian Murphy, Architect and Design Principal at Placework, discusses his idea of the farm-forest-city. Brian's hope for the future is simple, that the built environment connects us to nature rather than isolates us from it.

Strawbery Banke Museum in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, is a historic site facing flood risks from rising seas, coastal storms and changing rainfall. Join host Brian Yurasits as he tries to envision what the Seacoast could look like 50 years into the future, if we get it right.

Full episode transcript is available below.

Guest Speakers:

John Hyde, Director of Sustainability, Chapman Construction and Design

Brian Murphy, Architect and Design Principal, Placework

Hosted by: Brian Yurasits, Science Communication Specialist, New Hampshire Sea Grant

Produced by: Brian Yurasits

Further reading: