Commitment 01Read more
Adaptation to Climate Change
Preparing Port Cities for the Consequences of Climate Change
Including joint City Port measures to prevent inundation and flooding of the port and connecting infrastructure in strategic planning documents, and through a suitable land management policy.
How to best create adaptable infrastructure for climate change located at the waterfront?
Irrespective of the debate surrounding the extent of rising water levels due to climate change, this growing risk can be taken into account at a very early stage of development projects, specifically in their urban planning and architectural aspects. However, rather than merely adapting existing facilities to cope with greater environmental challenges, this resilience strategy also offers the opportunity to create brand-new spaces. Innovative elements like detachable gangways and flexible pontoon designs accommodate floodwaters, while ramps, lifts, and visual markers can enhance accessibility and navigation. Through thoughtful intervention and collaboration, adaptable infrastructure can not only cope with environmental challenges but also create resilient and visually harmonious waterfront spaces for the future. The replacement of Brisbane’s ferry terminals following the 2011 floods exemplifies the integration of adaptable infrastructure for climate change along waterfronts.
Following devastating floods in 2011, which caused significant infrastructure damage, the Queensland Government initiated a design competition for the replacement of Brisbane's ferry terminals. Aurecon and Cox Rayner Architects, along with Lat27 for landscape architecture, won the competition, resulting in eight new terminals being built between 2011 and 2016. The project was the winner in the “Infrastructure” category at the 2013 World Architecture Festival. The architectural quality of the terminal’s design and its visual integration into the surroundings help promote public transport on the river. These terminals not only replaced infrastructure but also aimed to enhance flood resilience, accessibility, compliance with disability standards, network efficiency, and connection with the river. Milton CityCat Terminal was inaugurated in January 2015 and opened to the public in early 2016.
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