Architecture professor’s research rebuilds coastal habitats along Florida waterways
KU architecture professor Keith Van de Riet’s research on how to mitigate the effects of habitat destruction on the “forgotten edge” of North American waterways is literally taking hold in Florida.
For over a decade, Van de Riet’s research has focused on improving the design of coastal infrastructure so that it supports marine life and therefore the overall health of developed waterways.
His research led to the creation of the Mangrove Reef Wall, a parametrically modeled and digitally fabricated seawall panel system that mimics mangrove roots. Over the last ten years, the sea wall panel system has been installed in Manasota Key, Charlotte Harbor, and other developed barrier islands on the Florida Gulf and Atlantic Coasts.
Last December, in partnership with APH Marine Construction and MANG – an apparel company that uses profits to fund shoreline restoration projects – a new version of the Mangrove Reef Wall system was installed along a residential canal in Pompano Beach, Florida. Configured to function as large plant containers, the modified panels allow for the introduction of living trees which will create additional habitat for oysters, fish, and other life along the shoreline.
In this story heard on NPR’s All Things Considered, science correspondent Nathan Rott speaks with Van de Riet as he assists the team installing the mangrove planters.