Developing resilience-focused approaches that are grounded in the unique geography, heritage, and traditions of a place, while responding to the evolving social, economic, and environmental context.
MARAH EAKIN
"WHEN NATURAL DISASTERS
THREATEN MODERN ICONS"
DWELL (NOVEMBER 15, 2024)
Coastal communities like Sarasota are increasingly vulnerable to shifting environmental impacts, including more frequent flooding and extreme heat. Resilience requires a proactive approach to conserving both natural and cultural resources and community assets through the design, implementation, and monitoring of adaptation strategies. It also requires a quick response in the aftermath of a disaster.
In 2023, in partnership with New College of Florida, Architecture Sarasota launched the New College Challenge, engaging six top-tier design schools to reimagine the campus ahead of its 2060 centennial. The Challenge provided a model for climate- and coastal-ready design rooted in culture and place. The outcomes of the initiative contributed to a new master plan, components of which are being implemented now.
Last year, within 72 hours of Hurricane Helene's arrival on our shores, Architecture Sarasota launched its Restoring a Sense of Place initiative, a comprehensive program to support owners and stewards of historic structures through five key actions: property documentation, conditions assessment, information sharing, emergency landmark designations, and adaptation strategies to enhance resilience. Because of this initiative, significant Sarasota School and other properties have been spared demolition and structures whose damage was determined too great for repair were documented in accordance with well-established preservation best-practices. The value of this program has just been recognized with a Citation of Merit by the 2025 Docomomo US Modernism in America Awards.
ACADEMIC PARTNERSHIP • SUMMER–FALL 2023
The New College Challenge engaged six top-tier research and design universities in a collaborative and inclusive planning process focused on reimagining the spaces and places of the campus.
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