Decolonizing Coastal Adaptation

Sea2City Design Challenge

Vancouver, BC

Exploring Adaptation Pathways

Vancouver’s False Creek is a beloved urban, waterfront that is vulnerable to sea level rise in the next century. The Mithun+One team worked with the City, a community advisory group and youth to create a vision of the waterfront that makes space for natural abundance while reconnecting relationships with the dynamics of land and water.

Decolonizing the Design Process

First Nation knowledge keepers, cultural advisors and artists were an integral part of the design team and their stories guided the long-term vision, near-term actions, and language around adaptation. The proposed strategies create a vision where the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh people can see themselves, their values, knowledge and culture represented.

Working toward the Vision

Two pilot projects integrate flood protection measures, habitat creation and traditional knowledge. A forested berm tests new tree cultivars and plant guilds adapted to changing temperatures and supports red cedars, yellow cedars and sequoias. A habitat bench is designed for people, marine life, reuse and decay.