How to design for rising sea levels

The Danish harbour town of Svendborg, like many cities, has faced severe storm surges and pluvial flooding in recent years. How can towns like Svendborg adapt to the increasing threat of flooding caused by climate change? And could learning to live with regular, controlled flooding – rather than fighting it – be the answer? 

This is part two of Let’s Talk Architecture’s deep dive into how Danish architects and planners are addressing the water-related challenges of climate change.  

In this episode, host Michael Booth speaks with architect Anna Als Nielsen from Svendborg Municipality about the town’s innovative response. Instead of investing in costly sea walls and flood barriers, Svendborg is embracing a new approach: allowing controlled flooding in specific areas and transforming them into attractive recreational spaces. 

Let’s Talk Architecture is a podcast by Danish Architecture Center. Sound edits by Munck Studios.