The Sea-​City Interface module is part of the ETH Future Cities Laboratory and focuses on the sea-​city fringes in rapidly urbanising cities in tropical Asia, where coastal regions interplay. The threat of increasing shocks and stresses induced by climate change and excessive CO2 emissions is well-​known. At the same time, demographers show that urban population growth is at its most intense in tropical coastal regions of Asian cities. These regions, as strategic locations, are developed as logistic hubs where ports and airports are often concentrated. This combination of environmental, demographic and logistical factors places stress particularly on the zones where urban development meets the sea - the sea-​city interface.

The module focuses on three broad areas. First, it will develop measures to mitigate climate change and reduce its effects. This is done through improved regenerative approaches to urban design and planning, environmental science, and building biomimicry technology to capture, absorb, store and remove CO2 from the atmosphere. Second, it will develop practical and scalable nature-​based approaches for cities in the tropical Asian region to mitigate the effects of rising seas through urban design and biophilic approaches for water-​sensitive design. Finally, the research will consider the economic aspects of the sea-​city interface, focusing on how these zones can combine their historical manufacturing roles with emerging hybrid developments towards a creative economy that supports diverse industries and promotes liveability.