More than half of the world’s population now lives in urban areas, placing increasing pressure on natural resources and infrastructure. Buildings account for about 40% of global energy use and contribute significantly to carbon emissions, while climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of natural disasters.
To address these challenges, civil and architectural engineering faculty at the University of Miami are advancing resilient, eco-friendly structures and systems. Their work spans developing biocompatible, durable materials and smart structures, as well as creating adaptive shoreline protection systems and strengthening community resilience. Collaboration with units such as the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Architecture and the Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science, along with access to the University’s Surge Structure Atmosphere Interaction facility (SUSTAIN), positions the program as a research hub for coastal infrastructure resilience.
