Examples and Concepts of Floating Architecture in the Face of Climate Change - The Example of Szczecin

Abstract

The article presents the issues of the impact of climate change on the architecture of Baltic cities with the example of Szczecin. Although measures are being taken to prevent further warming, the scale of changes requires action in various areas, including urban planning. In the temperate climate of Poland, the projected temperature increase by the end of the 21st century will have been 2-4 degrees Celsius (according to the latest IPCC reports on the effects of global warming). Therefore, the sea level may rise by 60-120cm. The cities of the Baltic Sea region are facing a significant challenge. In the future, they will face a high intensity of extreme weather events and changes in precipitation levels. The rising sea level forces the search for an alternative way of building. One of the cities in Poland where changes will be experienced is Szczecin. Some positive effects of climate change will also appear, such as longer tourist and vegetation seasons in Poland of up to 4-6 months and an increase in the attractiveness of Polish tourist cities. What is more, the country must also be prepared to accommodate the larger population resulting from climate migration. The article presents examples of designs and developments of the floating architecture which can become inspiring in the face of climate change challenges. A discussion on the pros and cons of such solutions was conducted. The authors put forward a thesis that some architectural solutions may prove useful for the upcoming problem, but they require prior improvement and adaptation to the Polish climate and economic conditions.