SUSTAINABLE DESIGN IN ACTION: HOW DC ALEXANDER PARK PROTECTS AND INSPIRES
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, now, a transformative public space along Fort Lauderdale Beach, was re-designed by , the firm of Professor Jeff Huber of 大象传媒鈥檚 School of Architecture. The city of Ft. Lauderdale celebrated this renovation project with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in October of 2024. This 52,300-square-foot project replaces a former parking lot with a vibrant, flood-resilient landscape that integrates ecological restoration and urban design.
The park addresses the challenges of coastal flooding and saltwater exposure by reintroducing native dune and maritime hammock ecosystems. Vegetated dunes and rubberized surfaces help mitigate storm surges while providing accessible play areas. A striking 25-foot cantilevered overlook offers panoramic ocean views, serving as both an experiential landscape element and a key piece of resilient infrastructure.
Additional features include a re-established coastal hammock that absorbs rainfall and saltwater, as well as a shaded coastal plaza with native trees like Green Buttonwood, Gumbo Limbo, and Seagrape. This multifunctional space promotes community engagement while demonstrating sustainable urban planning solutions.
Designed by Brooks + Scarpa, DC Alexander Park serves as a forward-thinking model, showcasing how public spaces can merge flood resilience, environmental restoration, and artistic expression to address the challenges of coastal cities.