Sea wall or sea front? Looking at engineering for Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management through different eyes

The UK Performance-based Asset Management System (PAMS) has developed a new process for assessing the condition of Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management (FCERM) assets in relation to their likely engineering performance (Simm et al, 2006). It is now being recognised that, in addition to their FCERM utility, assets offer significant amenity and aesthetic value. Where there is appropriate stewardship by landowners and other community stakeholders working in partnership, this can assist in social coherence by offering part of a ‘realm of significance’ for place-based communities. The paper draws on literature and on interviews conducted by the author with FCERM practitioners and with community members and activists. It concludes that the social performance of the assets can be understood within a broad theoretical framework of Order, Imagination and Justice (Gorringe, 2002), whilst reflecting Vitruvius’ architectural principles (strength, utility and beauty) and insights drawn from sociology, psychology and other disciplines.