the space between
Adaptations of the Alleys in Miami Beach
Miami Beach, FL
Since the advent of the Industrial Revolution we have been emitting carbon into our environment at disturbing rates. In fact, the majority of carbon emitted into the environment has been over the last 30 years. This is since NASA’s climate scientist, James Hansen, warned the US Congress of the human cause and effect of climate change, meaning that we’ve done more damage to the environment knowingly then we’ve ever done in ignorance. In addition to the complex challenges of climate change, our environment is in peril due to the continual expansion of the world’s population. Based on the average of the United Nation’s projection of global population of between 9.5 and 13 billion by 2100, the world will face a large deficit of land required for future urbanization, agriculture and the preservation of our natural ecosystems. The challenges of climate change and sea level rise come as no surprise to the Miami Beach community. As one of the most recognizable and significant cultural destinations in the world, the efforts of Miami Beach to combat this challenge are ever-evolving. With recent discourse on the subject at the top of the agenda for the disciplines of architecture, urban design and planning, the Kean Office for Design + Architecture (KoDA) is proud to spearhead this research-based initiative that advances meaningful ecological, infrastructural and cultural strategies. As such, this proposal investigates the potential of adapting Miami Beach’s network of alleys particularly in South Beach. Through an in-depth research and analysis initiative our ambition is to identify opportunities for green infrastructure to symbiotically restore ecology and enhance the cultural identity of Miami Beach.