The difference between the highest and lowest points of the tallest Florida beach is about thirteen feet. With climate change causing a rapid rise in sea levels, the state's beaches are in danger of flooding over. We were given the task of designing aspects of a boardwalk to adapt to the rising sea levels. I designed a self-adjusting lifeguard stand that rises at the same rate as the ocean.
The stand is at its resting position on the boardwalk. As the sea level rises the framework will lift respectively. The anchor in the back will hold the stand in place while the hinge allows the structure to tilt on its axis. As the stand moves in this way, both the chair and roof may be adjusted to remain parallel with the ground. The cross-hatch pattern in the rear serves the double purpose of framework reinforcement and storage for equipment.
Model Materials: chipboard, basswood, metal wire, silver hinges, dremmel bit, clothespin, string, balsa wood, hot glue, Sobo glue.
