This thesis approaches climate resilience through a comprehensive urban-scale system that incorporates integrated stormwater management to address sea-level rise and urban flooding, while leveraging the power of community as a tool for environmental stewardship.

The City Symbiotic has dual notions. At its core, the concept alludes to a mutually beneficial relationship between the built and natural environment. This thesis will be an exploration of designing with water through the lens of climate resilience. Built structures will incorporate an integrated stormwater management network for capturing, filtering, storing, and reusing water, bettering our understanding of the symbiotic relationship between the built and natural environment by blurring the line between the two.

The City Symbiotic is also a reference to the relationship between people and their environment. In this respect, this thesis approaches climate resilience through community and connection. Climate change exacerbates existing vulnerabilities that are the result of historical planning failures like Euclidean and exclusionary zoning, urban disinvestment, car-centric planning, environmental racism, and displacement. Reimagining the civic commons as a more inclusive and resilient center of public life can help redress marginalization and inspire environmental stewardship.

The outcome of this thesis will demonstrate the value of symbiotic urban design, connecting the built, natural, and human environments to build resilience to water-related impacts of climate change.