Of Land, Earth + Sea: A Re-Mastered Beach Resort

Abstract

Beaches, resorts, and recreational activities serve as a main source of attraction for some cities across the world that reside next to large bodies of water. This often leads to cities becoming dependent on tourism for their source of income and identity. However, some resorts do not have the ability and accessibility to resources in order to become sustainable. Small towns with beach resorts often do not have facilities and equipment to progress towards a sustainable resort. The landscape surrounding a resort often can affect tourists’ comfortability and experience around the resort. A master plan emphasizing sustainability and a landscape would encourage resorts to become self-sustaining and provide the necessary resources to enable a sustainable environment. This landscape will not only provide sources for resort residents and faculty, but also serve new activities for the site. This will not only support the economy by providing jobs but will present new opportunities for programmed activities for a resort. Investigating successful sustainable resorts and programmed activities will focus on new strategies to promote green spaces for not only urban design, but resort design as well. Researching methods to accommodate mitigation within a resort will not only address safety for tropical storms, but also drainage for the site. This thesis research will provide a layout for Paradise Cove, located in Freeport Bahamas, on how this resort will incorporate a landscape design that will address the micro-climate and mitigation while also implementing new programmed activities. Nevertheless, it will also emphasize expanding the resort site in order to shelter tourists and employees in order to achieve the goal of becoming a self-sustaining resort.