Symbiotic beachfront design : sharing Southeast Florida's coast with sea turtles

Abstract

This urban beachfront design project is a unique approach to sustainable beachfront design development because it focuses on creating a symbiotic relationship between humans and a sensitive turtle habitat, rather than relying solely on traditional habitat conservation. Through research of the nesting and living habits of the loggerhead, green, and leatherback sea turtles this project shows how to develop a place for human beach activity that also serves as a safer coastal nesting ground for sea turtles. Designing to variables that can affect the sea turtles, while maintaining beach access for people presents a challenge, but the results may have worldwide application.