How the coastal cities are transforming? The disaster as catalysts of change

Abstract

In the current climate crisis, coastal cities face growing risks related to both water scarcity and flooding. Climate change, uncontrolled urbanization, and the inherent vulnerability of coastal areas call for a rethinking of planning strategies. This contribution presents part of the PRIN COSTA|Med research project, which collects international case studies where environmental crises have triggered innovative adaptation strategies. Focusing on two examples—the Dutch Delta Programme and the PATIVEL in Valencia—we explore how planning and design can respond jointly to complex challenges. The goal is to identify shared trajectories and outline integrated guidelines for resilient coastal management, with a focus on the Mediterranean, one of the regions most exposed to sea-level rise.