BENITO JUAREZ JR
THE GULF SHORES GATEWAY
Gulf Shores, AL
The Gulf Shores Gateway is a master plan of central Gulf Shores, Alabama, designed for the year 2050. This plan is built as a response to the 2050 sea rise predictions that are in the coastal south's trajectory as a result of climate change.
BALDWIN COUNTY, AL
The fastest growing county in Alabama; ranked 7th in the country (2020 U.S. Census).
Despite its inclining growth, Baldwin county faces threatening land loss rates due to future climate change trajectories.
GULF SHORES
Timeline to 2050
From the gulf coast destination of today, to an inevitable victim of betrayal from its own surging seas.
2020
Existing
Currently a transient beach town with a growing local population. Its 2020 population sits around 13,200 people.
2035
Sea Rise at 2 ft.
Between today and 2035, there is a 100% multi-year likelihood that there will be a flood of 2 ft or more above the current high tide line. At the same time, Gulf Shores is predicted to grow to a population of 22,000 by 2040.
2050
Sea Rise at 5 ft.
By the year 2050, global climate change will have a significant impact on the Gulf Shores immediate community through problems of land loss and property destruction caused by rising sea levels and increased risks of storm surges. It is predicted that Gulf Shores is at 74% risk of at least one flood of over 5 ft taking place between today and 2050.
THEÂ 2050 PROPOSAL
The Gulf Shores Gateway Master Plan
This plan is a double-edged sword in a sense that on one side, it seeks to dignify a community that has for a long time been placed second before the tourists, and at the mercy of hurricane destruction.
On the other side, this proposal simultaneously strives to integrate water management techniques into a dignifying design for the locale.
A NEW TOWN CENTRE
North Plaza
What was once a bumper to bumper parkway has been transformed into a communal green space. In the distance, two iconic towers symbolize the new gateway into Gulf Shores.
West Plaza
A new alternative event space, perfect for the festivals that the gulf coast loves to have.
West Plaza
Looking below onto the event space activities.
South Plaza
In the distance, Gulf Shore's beloved beach is seen.
A NEW WATER FRONT
