Ravindu Sandeep
student
University of Moratuwa (UoM), Faculty of Architecture, Department of Architecture, Moratuwa
Sri Lanka
Interior Design
Around the world, fragile coastal ecosystems are under intense pressure from unrelenting human activity, gradual yet relentless climate trends and extreme… more
Tamer ElSerafi
advisor
Cairo University, Faculty of Engineering Architecture Department.
Egypt
Dr. Tamer ElSerafi is the Head of the Architecture Department and Director of the Master of Science… more
The "Moving Beyond Barriers" project presents a landscape-based strategy to address the challenges faced by coastal communities, particularly in Negombo, Sri Lanka. By integrating ecological and cultural considerations, the design aims to enhance resilience against climate-induced threats like sea-level rise and erosion. The approach combines protective infrastructures, such as regenerative breakwaters, with community engagement and educational initiatives to foster a sustainable relationship between people and their environment.
While the project effectively highlights the importance of ecocultural resilience, further development in areas like material detailing, structural feasibility, and long-term maintenance strategies would strengthen its practical applicability. Incorporating adaptive management plans and monitoring mechanisms could also ensure the project's sustainability over time. Overall, the initiative offers a promising framework for integrating ecological restoration with cultural preservation in vulnerable coastal regions.