AIA Florida Merit Award Winner

Dr. John Sandell, Associate Professor in the School of Architecture, was recently awarded a 2019 American Institute of Architects ( AIA ) Florida Theoretical and Research Design Award for his Urban Topographies sea-level rise research.

His study concludes that in order for our cities to survive in the future, they will need to begin tailoring urban growth to specific geographic, climate, and other conditions, emphasizing nature’s role in urban resiliency.

Dr. Sandell proposes that, with the right changes – such as increasing pedestrian activity and reducing vehicles on the road, and removing select structures and infrastructure – South Florida can adapt to changing climate factors and retain economic vibrancy.

View Dr. Sandell’s complete research brief here.

The awards ceremony will take place in July at the annual Florida AIA conference.