Designing Seaplane Basis to Adapt Aviation to Future Sea Level Rise Scenarios

Sea level rise (SLR) will pose the greatest threat to coastal airports in the near future. Finding effective ways to mitigate or adapt to the impact of SLR is a challenge that many engineers and city planners have been addressing for a long time. The purpose of this study is to explore the potential of seaplane bases and seaplanes as future modes of transportation. Although seaplanes were most popular in the early twentieth century and were eventually phased out with new land-based aircraft, they can potentially be of great use in future climate scenarios. In this study, we propose a design concept that should inspire thought and further discussion regarding SLR and seaplanes. Our proposed designs manifest in two scales: a larger-scale seaplane base that includes the current Oakland International (OAK) airport, and a small-scale seaplane base that occupies one of San Francisco's historic piers. The ground transportation and air transportation layout patterns of the seaplane base will have different impacts on the development of the airport itself and the development of peripheral areas. In this design, OAK uses the dual-core ground transportation mode and circular take-off and landing zone mode, while the SFO Pier uses a single-core ground transportation mode and rectangular take-off and landing zone mode. This new addition to the current aviation system will require the introduction of new policies and procedures that will ensure public safety and environmental sustainability. The goal is to create a robust network of seaplane bases around the world that can operate in conjunction with traditional in-land airports.