AFTER THE FLOOD

The project proposes a new model of rural urbanism which demonstrates a symbiotic relationship between flooding systems and human settlement. The architecture explores how the negative effects of frequent floods can be mitigated and investigates the potential value of floods in developing new kinds of economic systems that can be co-existing with nature. Design strategies begin by analysing the impacts on existing economic typologies, demonstrating how seasonal disaster leads to specific issues.

The investigation of the economic model splits into two parts. Firstly, looking at agricultural and local industries a series of new industrial types are proposed. Secondly, a new framework of urban and public engagement is developed in which the isolation and dislocation of flooding events is inverted to create a new open community condition catalysed by the presence of water. Ultimately, the ambition of this project is to propose a model of rural urbanisation that allows for vibrant villages that thrive through their adaptability to flooding events.