The University of Miami and Syracuse University’s schools of architecture coordinated their design studio courses to address the challenges of coastal resilience. Led by Professor Lily Chishan Wong of the University of Miami and Professor Pablo Sequero of Syracuse University, the studios explored the intersection of architecture and climate adaptation. Wong’s studio focused on reimagining the beach as a public space promoting communal well-being, while Sequero’s studio investigated climate adaptations in residential building types. Together, their work examined the cultural, ecological, and infrastructural roles of barrier islands in mitigating storm surges and rising sea levels.
“The beach has long been a site of leisure and retreat, but in the face of climate change, we must consider its potential as a site for resilience—a place where communities can connect, adapt, and thrive together,” Wong said.
Throughout the semester, the studios hosted four joint lectures featuring experts in the field, including Rosetta Elkin of Pratt Institute on landscape architecture; investigative reporter Mario Alejandro Ariza of Floodlight; Jeffrey Huber of Florida Atlantic University on urbanism; and Chris and Shawna Meyer of the University of Miami on architecture.
The collaboration also included hands-on learning experiences. In September, Wong’s students conducted field visits to Miami Beach, guided by a sustainability specialist from the City of Miami Beach’s Rising Above program, to study public resilience projects. Meanwhile, the Syracuse studio visited Miami to delve deeper into the region’s adaptation efforts.
The collaboration culminated in Platform Surfside, an exhibition held Nov. 16–20. The showcase highlighted a year of architectural design explorations by students from both universities, including adaptations for single-family homes, public amenities, and urban residential blocks, envisioning how architecture can support resilient communities amid increasing climate risks.
The exhibition opened Nov. 16 with a joint final review and workshop that brought together Surfside residents, government officials, and academic leaders, including Surfside Vice Mayor Tina Paul; former Mayor Daniel Ditch; Roy Raskin of Surfside’s Sustainability and Resiliency Committee; University of Miami School of Architecture Dean, Rodolphe el-Khoury and architecture program Director, Germane Barnes.
A concluding roundtable discussion on Nov. 19 engaged local leaders, residents, faculty, and students in a dialogue about the studios’ findings and the role of community engagement in shaping resilient design solutions. Michael Speaks, dean of Syracuse University’s School of Architecture, emphasized the importance of community voices in architectural education, sharing lessons from the collaboration.
The initiative was supported by Roy Raskin and the Town of Surfside Sustainability and Resiliency Committee.
