Engineering Coastal Resilience | Panel Discussion at The Vizcaya Village

Join us at the Historic Garage at Vizcaya Village for Engineering Coastal Resilience, a panel exploring innovative approaches to climate resilience.

Starting in the Water: REEFLINE

This panel introduces REEFLINE, a cultural–ecological initiative that transforms public art into hybrid reefs and civic infrastructure. It addresses one of the most urgent challenges facing our oceans today: the loss of coral reef habitat in rapidly warming, urban coastal waters. Rather than treating the ocean as separate from city life, REEFLINE brings art, science, and community directly into the marine environment, creating habitat for marine life while fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration, education, and research. We will also share a preview of REEFTILES, a new technology currently being developed to expand our ecological potential.

Closer to Land: Commissioner Damian Pardo

District 2 Commissioner Pardo’s office has been actively working on several projects, including the Morningside Shoreline Project to shape the future of Miami’s resiliency infrastructure. Examining the Morningside Shoreline Project as a case study, the Commissioner’s office will demonstrate how District 2 is at the forefront of “nature-first” infrastructure that benefits the public.

Historic Preservation: Vizcaya Museum & Gardens– Creative Solutions

Ian Simpkins, Senior Director of Horticulture and Sustainability at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, will speak on the historic garden's resiliency efforts, including its tiger dam and deployable storm surge barrier. Innovations such as these highlight how aesthetics and beauty do not need to be sacrificed to ensure public wellbeing and climate resiliency. Also discussed will be the importance of balancing preservation with the urgency to adapt to rising tides, climate change, and stronger hurricanes.

Following the presentations will be an open discussion between panelists on the need for creative and effective innovations in the wake of rising tides and climate concerns, moderated by City of Miami CRO, Sonia Brubaker.

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Attendees will receive access to visit Vizcaya Museum and Gardens after the panel.

Location | This event takes place in the Historic Garage at the Vizcaya Village, located at 3250 South Miami Avenue, Miami, Florida 33129/

Bites | Available for purchase at the Vizcaya Village Cafe.

ASL Interpreters | If you require an ASL interpreter or reserved seating, please contact us at [email protected] at least 3 days before the event.

This program was produced in collaboration with:

Miami Climate 365 a year-round initiative dedicated to strengthening community resilience and advancing practical solutions to environmental challenges across Miami-Dade County. By fostering cross-sector collaboration, MC365 aims to unify efforts around a shared vision to safeguard the region’s natural resources and economic vitality. Its signature event, Miami Climate Week, runs March 14–21, 2026, beginning with a solutions-focused climate conference and featuring a week of activities designed to spotlight individuals, programs, and organizations driving meaningful change. Through urban greening projects, community workshops, and other hands-on initiatives, MC365 translates environmental policies into action, empowering residents, organizations, and leaders to play active roles in building a resilient and sustainable future for Miami.

PRESERVATION IN PROGRESS | To ensure Vizcaya Museum and Gardens remain beautiful, safe and accessible for another 100 years, we’re actively restoring and reinforcing key areas of the estate. We appreciate your understanding and invite you to explore how we’re investing in Vizcaya’s future here.

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