Planning ahead:
Rising temperatures & rising tides
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the safety and well-being of our residents
is our primary concern. Isla Macao is preparing for climate change and the potential for rising sea levels.
the safety and well-being of our residents
is our primary concern. Isla Macao is preparing for climate change and the potential for rising sea levels.
i.m.e.e.m.
rising sea levels are of particular concern for our channelized community. Isla macao is prepared to implement i.m.e.e.m (isla macao experimental electromechanical module). this system will effectively isolate the channels of the community from the caribbean sea when high tides are experienced.
...how it works
The system (inspired by the mose system of venice, italy) will form a closed barrier around the entrance to the community. this barrier will be comprised of retracting oscillating flap gates. these gates will be filled with seawater when not deployed and will rest in concrete caissons on the seafloor. the introduction of Compressed air will raise the gates and establish a temporary dam. gates will be deployed in as little as 30 minutes and retracted in 15.
land use measures
The plans include the replanting and recovery of mangrove forests, which are important natural barriers protecting the coastline.
In select areas of the coast, levees would be installed to prevent flooding. These levees would supplement the IMEEm system by disallowing tides bypass the system by leaking over land.
In select areas of the coast, levees would be installed to prevent flooding. These levees would supplement the IMEEm system by disallowing tides bypass the system by leaking over land.
ARCHITECTURAL installations
in order to combat the humidity that is commonly found in honduran rainforests, we plan on constructing our huts to be separated and built on stilts. We plan to have narrow streets in order to encourage more biking and less use of cars. Our sidewalks will also be shaded to encourage walking. We will also gradually install solar roof panels on the majority of our buildings.
Hurricanes and storms
Isla macao's unique channelized design will protect watercraft from storm related damage. A floating, open ended wave barrier will be deployed at the entrance to the channels to reduce the effects of storm surges. Private berths will be protected from severe damage; deep channels surrounded by sturdy trees will mitigate strong winds and waves.