A design competition for a planter box to help indigenous communities affected by climate change
Growing resliance above the waterline
This design competition challenged designers to develop floating planter boxes for the Grand Bayou community in coastal Louisiana, where rising sea levels, land loss, flooding, and saltwater intrusion have made growing fresh food increasingly difficult.
The competition invited participants to create sustainable, accessible, and resilient designs that would allow residents to grow edible produce and medicinal plants despite challenging environmental conditions. Solutions needed to address water quality, stability, storm resilience, and the realities of a remote, boat-accessible community.
The Outcomes
By bringing together design, environmental resilience, and community needs, the project explored how thoughtful design can support food sovereignty, strengthen community connections, and help vulnerable coastal communities adapt to a changing climate.
THE WATER
COLLABORATIVE