Amphibious Concepts at the Edge of the Sea (Cities Research Series)

This book explores interfaces between land and sea and their geostrategic, ecological, urban, productive, indigenous, legal, historical, and artistic dimensions. The oceans, comprising two-thirds of the earth's surface, were initially utilised mainly for transportation and fishing. Today they serve diverse purposes such as supplying energy, freshwater, mineral resources, supporting leisure activities, and providing habitat. Additionally, the UN set up the first international agreement establishing Marine Protection Areas for a third of the sea to mitigate the growing use and exploitation. The more interest in oceans' territories increases, the more the question arises about the beneficial evolution of their physical and legal boundaries. What innovative amphibious concepts can be developed for the edge of the sea? The book pushes the boundaries of current knowledge to provide a deeper insight into the upcoming challenges and opportunities, makingit easier to apply the best strategies for a healthy future for both the ocean and humanity.

Prof. Joerg Baumeister (joergbaumeister.com) initiated and leads the SeaCities Lab (SeaCities.org) which develops and implements water-adapted urban solutions (aquacities) and floating structures (aquatecture). Its holistic research approach - which spans and includes the disciplines of architecture, engineering, and environmental sciences - develops new concepts for building with and for nature and creating ecosystem-based developments that respond to the current challenges in an adaptive and compatible fashion.  He is an internationally awarded architect with a higher Doctorate in Engineering and attracted multi-million-dollar grants for transdisciplinary research projects with the industry and government institutions which have been published in books, government reports and journal articles.

Dr. Ioana Corina Giurgiu is an architect and researcher focusing on hybrid ecological-urban systems and digital tools for sustainable design. She obtained her PhD from SeaCities research lab at the Cities Research Institute, Griffith University in 2023. She is also an alumna of the Architectural Association School of Architecture in London, where she graduated with Honours in 2014. As a certified Passivhaus designer and registered architect, she focused on Passivhaus and energy-efficient projects. Her research interests and expertise, however, include broader sustainability approaches such as digital design tools that integrate system thinking, building with nature, non-market valuation and ecosystem service analysis.

Prof. Daniela A. Ottmann has a distinguished 20-year career in architecture and urban design, encompassing work across Europe, the Middle East, Australia, Africa, and China. Her expertise in designing, researching, and educating within diverse bio-climatic and socio-cultural environments has established her as a leading expert in the field. Dr. Ottmann is a passionate advocate for sustainable architecture and urban development, collaborating with UN-Habitat and championing Inclusive Sustainable Urban Development. Beyond her affiliations in Germany, Australia, KSA and the UAE, she serves as an Associate Professor at Bond University, where she leads postgraduate research-enabled learning in Architectural Sustainable Development and Climate Design. Her notable publications―including “Urban Ecolution: Future Solutions for Healthy and Ecologically Integrated Cities,” “Housing+: Modular Housing System,” “Ecological Materials for Deserts and Drylands,” and “Urban Correlator”―have significantly contributed to advancing architecture and urban design.