Coastal Resilience Design Studio Projects

The northern Delaware city known for its industrial history and century-old steel mill may soon see new, green life in the form of Electric Arc Park. A complete design for the park was created by students of the CRDS and the Claymont Renaissance Development Corp. endorsed it. The park’s plan gives a huge nod to the history of the site and its former industrial steel mill, paying tribute to longtime Claymont residents who worked and relied on the mill, once upon a time.

 Claymont Booklet 

The boardwalk at Fenwick Island State Park was built in 1987 and the dunes were restored shortly after. By 2015, the dunes had grown to the point where staff had to clear sand off of the boardwalk once every 3-4 weeks, typically after a stormy or windy day. Now, five years later, sand accumulates daily, requiring hours of work by multiple staff members as well as the use of machinery. The problem peaks in intensity between January and April, but the clearing process must continue year-round. In Fall 2020, Delaware State Parks asked the CRDS to generate a design solution for their accessible pathways at Tower Beach and Fenwick Island State Parks.

 Fenwick Island State Park Dune Booklet 

In the Winter of 2020, the CRDS developed Waterman’s Village. A reinterpretation of a small town seaport, this micro-retail center builds on our coastal history to create an inspired shopping and dining experience that is uniquely Little Creek.

 Waterman’s Village Booklet 

In the Winter of 2020, the CRDS developed a plan for creating a Farmer’s Market in Frederica, DE to combat food scarcity and push forward the town’s sustainable initiatives and economic development. The plan utilized a parcel in town to showcase its viability for commercial use. Even before the market was held, a developer saw the potential presented in the plan and began to use the property. But the town saw the value in a farmers market and opened the Tidal Market at a municipal park through the summer of 2021, averaging 180 shoppers each week and bringing in more than $17,500 for local farmers, bakers, artisans, and aquaculturists.

 Tidal Market Booklet 

The Town of Little Creek is a coastal community vulnerable to and experiencing the impacts of sea level rise. Residents of Little Creek envision maintaining small-town character and providing opportunities to showcase the town’s maritime history “while allowing for modest growth and redevelopment that is consistent with its rural surroundings, while adapting to sea level rise” (Comprehensive Plan, 2016). In summer 2020, the CRDS collaborated with the Town of Little Creek to develop a Concept Plan that addresses flooding and quality of life for residents centered on the specific needs and desires outlined in a thorough community survey (the Town of Little Creek Working Waterfronts Initiative).

 Little Creek Booklet 

 View the presentation.  by Olivia Boon, Leigh Muldrow, Emma Ruggiero, and Mark Switliski

In spring 2019, under the consultation of  the Resilient and Sustainable Communities League (RASCL) , the CRDS entered into a Design Cooperation Agreement with The Greater Lewes Foundation.

Students worked to develop conceptual designs for the De Vries Monument site in Lewes Delaware. They conducted site analysis, engaged community members, and developed concepts that were vetted by experts at various agencies. Final plans are in development for shoreline solutions that will combat erosion and educate visitors about elements of green infrastructure and adaptability planning strategies.

The De Vries Monument Project’s goal is to develop a design that builds resilience against flooding and future sea level rise, enhance public access to a historic marker, develop a green infrastructure strategy to enhance ecosystem services, and develop greater connectivity to the site.

The CRDS is working with the community, including the UD College of Earth, Ocean, & Environment, to ensure the project achieves long-term success.

 Zwaanendael-deVries Monument Bookle t