This thesis aims to address the ongoing issues impacting vulnerable communities, specifically in Sylhet, Bangladesh as a result of the global climate crisis.

Bangladesh’s extreme vulnerability to climate change are due to its low-lying topography, and funnel-shaped coast, exposing the land to cyclones and tidal surges, resulting in seasonal floods.

These factors, alongside the large population base, widespread poverty and lack of strong institutional development make the country particularly vulnerable to climate variability.

The proposal seeks to present a viable prototype that can be adapted and applied across diverse settings experiencing comparable environmental challenges brought about by the ongoing climate crisis. The intent is to offer a scalable solution that supports climate resilience and informed evidence-based planning.

The amphibious housing prototype is strategically located in Sylhet, Bangladesh, a city that has been devastated by extreme weather conditions for decades. As such, the design process thoughtfully incorporates local culture as well as economic and social considerations.

This thesis aims to propose a contextually grounded solution based in Sylhet, Bangladesh. With the intention of demonstrating that, with appropriate adaptations to design and managerial strategies as well as material considerations that may be better suited, the amphibious housing system holds the potential for broader application in supporting climate-vulnerable communities worldwide.

The work focuses on three demolished cases within the urban landscape of New York City. The aim is to explore the impact demolished structures have in the field of architecture.