The high price of proximity: why we build where it hurts most

Society · Published 17 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Humanity possesses a peculiar magnetism toward the shoreline. Despite the documented devastation of tropical cyclones, we continue to engineer our lives on the water's edge. This tension between aesthetic desire and environmental risk defines the modern coastal landscape, where structural resilience meets the relentless power of the Atlantic.

The allure of coastal living is a persistent human trend that creates significant logistical and safety challenges. In Rhode Island, the Coastal Resources Management Council works to manage the complexities of people choosing to inhabit these vulnerable zones. This desire for proximity to the water often necessitates extreme measures in construction and planning to mitigate the inevitable risks posed by rising tides and storm surges. Grover Fugate, the Executive Director of the Coastal Resources Management Council, oversees these efforts. His work involves observing the lengths to which residents will go to remain near the ocean. This ongoing struggle highlights the persistent conflict between human preference and geographic reality.

Hurricane Irene serves as a primary example of these dynamics in action. In late August 2011, heavy rainfall hit Puerto Rico, Hispaniola, and various eastern U.S. states, while the storm caused major wind destruction across the Bahamas. states. While the storm caused widespread destruction, it also highlighted the specific vulnerabilities of residential infrastructure, where even reinforced projects must be prepared for sudden, intense environmental shifts. Numerous Bahamian islands suffered major destruction from winds caused by the storm. It also caused torrential rains to strike Puerto Rico and Hispaniola. These events demonstrate how tropical cyclones can affect multiple regions simultaneously with varying types of destruction.

The engineering response to these threats is increasingly sophisticated. For instance, during the restoration of the Barrington House, builders had to actively prepare for Hurricane Irene while the foundation was being set and framing was underway. The house survived the storm, but the surrounding neighborhood took a significant hit. This contrast underscores a critical nuance: while individual structures can be engineered to withstand specific pressures, the broader community remains susceptible to the cumulative impact of coastal hazards. Builder Andy Tiplady and his crew worked to secure the site before the storm arrived. They focused on the new foundation and the initial framing of the structure. This specific project serves as a case study in proactive construction during active weather threats.

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