Partners

This project would not have been possible without the support of our partners. Throughout the semester the studio has collaborated with local leaders in St. Croix and others who are actively involved with resilience and climate work in St. Croix. Additional partners provided case study and precedent presentations through guest lectures to inform and inspire. These partners have generously shared their time and knowledge and provided invaluable input. Thank you!

Scott Bishop Bishop Land Design

Kirk Chewning Cane Bay Partners

Teresa Crean Director of Planning, Building and Resiliency (Barrington, RI)

Haley Cutler St. Croix Foundation

Rich DiFede

Gold Coast Yachts

Joe Dwyer

NOAA’s CAP (RISA) program, Climate Program Office

Ryan Flegal Feather Leaf Inn

Frandelle Gerard

Crucian Heritage and Nature Tourism (CHANT)

Greg Guannel

Caribbean Green Technology Center, University of the Virgin Islands

St. Croix St. Thomas Mainland

Wayne Huddleston Small Business Administration

Deanna James St. Croix Foundation

Daryl Jaschen Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA)

Josh Lippert Former Floodplain Manager, City of Philadelphia

Hilary Lohmann

Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR), USVI

Kirsten McGregor SAGAX Associates

Gerville Rene Larsen Taller Larjas LLC

Richard Roark OLIN

Jessica Ward The Nature Conservancy

St. Croix is one of the many islands that make up the Caribbean region. The island is nestled in the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea brought across the Atlantic Ocean via the North Atlantic current.1 St. Croix is one of the 4 islands that make up the United States Virgin Islands (USVI), a US territory. USVI are the westernmost islands of the Lesser Antilles, neighbored to the west by Puerto Rico and to the east by the British Virgin Islands (BVI). St. Croix is the largest and most southern island in USVI, with St. Thomas, St. John, and Water Island lying approximately 35 miles to the north.

St. Croix itself is a beautiful island with mountains, moist forests, industry, and a barrier reef that stretches around the entire island shelf. The two main towns of St. Croix include Christiansted on the north shore and Frederiksted on the west shore. The island covers an area of 84 square miles and is 7 miles wide and 28 miles long.2

St. Croix has beautiful landscapes, crystal clear Caribbean waters, and a rich culture.

St. Croix is filled to the brim with life and opportunity. The Crucian culture is beloved by residents and visitors and boasts beautiful art, great music, and delicious food. The island’s identity is grounded in its rich history of resilience. The boardwalks along the waterfronts of Christiansted and Frederiksted welcome visitors to eat and shop with beautiful sea views. Miles of beaches let you touch the crystal-clear Caribbean waters and soak up the sun.

However, St. Croix is also facing many challenges. As the climate crisis worsens, St. Croix is feeling the impact of severe weather events, such as the destruction caused by Hurricane Maria in 2017. Severe weather paired with declining infrastructure creates increased risks from hazards such as flooding, erosion, and pollution. These challenges take a toll on the natural environment as well, threatening beaches, coral reefs, and mangroves that help protect the island. While these circumstances are putting St. Croix at risk, the natural resilience of Crucians and their desire to protect their island and their community keep St. Croix strong. These diverse opportunities and challenges are the focus of this studio.