Monday, May 11, 2026
By: Madison Fernandes
University of Florida architecture students collaborated with the leaders of the City of Crystal River to offer immediately actionable proposals for a redevelopment project. In their senior design course, students applied what they have learned to real world scenarios, making a positive impact on the state of Florida while enhancing their education.
Their central goals were to prevent hurricane damage and to bolster connection between the bay and the urban region of the city. Simultaneously, the students prioritized maintaining the city’s waterfront identity and ecological relationships within their designs. Students’ final solutions included both short-term implementations and a long-term vision for the city.
Through visiting the city and receiving multiple rounds of feedback, the students cultivated their unique recommendations. Crystal River City Manager Audra Curts-Whann shares, “It’s very valuable to see the differing perspectives of how the park space could be developed in the future for our residents and visitors.”
This project provides value for the University of Florida architecture students as well. Architecture Assistant Professor Carla Brisotto led the course, entitled “Rising Tides: Reconnecting Bay to Inland- A Connectivity Strategy for Crystal River.” The studio class was structured around the partnership with Crystal River. Brisotto notes “Having three members of the city coming to give them feedback is the best part of this because it connects their learning with real life.”
During the semester, each student worked individually to create an original set of plans that reflect outstanding architectural quality, climate responsiveness and strategic outcomes. They integrated community feedback and research to determine different ways to support the city. Students designed according to four different scales, including the town, urban site, building and detail levels.
While working together, the students and city stakeholders determined the potential impact of each concept. The projects weighed the city’s future, growth and the effects for current residents. Students analyzed the interaction of the natural and built environment, as well as ways to drive connection in the community. Their ideas ranged from developing housing, community centers and storm protection to even spaces designated for appreciating nature.
The project began with a program from the Florida Institute for Built Environment Resilience, focused on helping Florida plan and prepare for the future. It led to a two-day workshop with communities that experience storm risk and environmental hazards. As a result of that symposium, the City of Crystal River engaged with Brisotto to center a class around providing the city with tailored and innovative redevelopment concepts.
The partnership between the city leaders and students is also a chance to build lasting solutions. As the city plans for commerce, growth and ecological changes, they can reference these options. Using research, knowledge of the city and the students’ work, city stakeholders can implement ideas that support their goals.
Throughout the process, students gained experience that is applicable to a variety of real industry scenarios. The challenges of city connection and ecological vulnerability ring true for many areas in Florida and beyond. Working with community partners helps refine students’ professional skills as they prepare to graduate.
Opportunities like these both contribute to students’ learning and help to set graduates apart. The College of Design, Construction and Planning is dedicated to excellence and to contributing to the community in tangible ways. Today, alumni from this college make a difference within their fields across the state, country and world.
Working as community partners, the architecture students and the City of Crystal River both yield lasting benefits. The city can consider these carefully thought-out recommendations for the future. Initiatives like this help students become professionals who are equipped to shape the future of architecture.
