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Miami, the city known for its glass skyline, dreamy beaches, and vibrant luxury lifestyle, is facing a troubling crisis beneath its feet: its iconic skyscrapers are beginning to sink.
What was once a symbol of modernity and prosperity is now facing a structural and environmental problem of alarming proportions in the southern county of Florida, according to a study from the University of Miami released this week, which has raised concerns.
The report revealed that between 2016 and 2023, at least 35 buildings in coastal areas such as Sunny Isles Beach and Surfside have experienced gradual sinking.
The measurements indicate that these buildings are sinking between 2 and 8 centimeters during this period. Although these figures may seem small, they are clear warning signs in terms of engineering and structural safety.
Among the affected buildings are some of the most luxurious and exclusive constructions in the city, such as the Porsche Design Tower, home to international celebrities like Lionel Messi, Maluma, and Thalía, as well as several Trump Towers and the Ritz-Carlton Residences.
These buildings, which embody the pinnacle of luxury and design, now face a serious threat that could jeopardize their stability: the very coastal land on which they stand.
The sinking of skyscrapers is not a unique phenomenon, and its causes are varied, although all are linked to a dangerous combination of natural and human factors
Soil compaction: The weight of these gigantic structures is pressing down on the layers of sand and limestone that make up Miami's coastal terrain. As the soil compresses, the buildings undergo gradual sinking.
Erosion and Tides: The impact of water, particularly in a region susceptible to rising sea levels, is undermining the foundations of buildings. Constant tides and wave action are eroding the underground structures of these edifices.
Constant construction: The vibrations generated by the ongoing construction of new skyscrapers and projects in nearby areas are also contributing to the instability of the ground.
This issue becomes even more significant when recalling the tragedy of the Champlain Towers South building collapse in Surfside in 2021, which resulted in 98 fatalities.
Subsequent investigations revealed that the building had shown signs of sinking since the 1990s, highlighting the fragility of structures in coastal areas of Miami. While there were multiple causes behind the collapse and the final report has yet to be published, ground subsidence was a determining factor.
This incident highlighted the vulnerability of skyscrapers in a city that, due to its rapid growth, has prioritized construction without always considering the associated geological and climatic risks.
The sinking of these skyscrapers not only poses a threat to the safety of their residents but also delivers a significant blow to Miami's international reputation as a luxury destination.
Experts are calling for more thorough monitoring of these structures and suggest that preventive measures be taken, such as reinforcing foundations or modifying building regulations in coastal areas of the city.
Now a question is circulating among experts: is it sustainable to continue building skyscrapers in such vulnerable areas? They argue that this city's situation is a clear example of how rampant urban development can clash with the challenges of climate change and the geological limitations of a coastal territory.
As authorities and experts seek solutions, residents of these skyscrapers, as well as potential buyers, confront an uncomfortable reality: luxury and modernity do not always ensure safety.
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