Phase shift is a research project to study the dynamic conditions of the Galveston barrier island. The goal of the project is to develop a series of public projects that effectively respond to Galveston’s ever changing environment. Research and analysis was conducted to study the site’s interactive biophysical environment which is in constant fluctuation and change. The barrier island is unique in that the rate of change is accelerated or enhanced due to current global environmental conditions such as subsidence, sea level rise, and severe weather anomalies.

Initial conceptual studies included analysis of patterns of organization and how systems relate, adapt, or evolve to other complex systems of organization. Issues such as adaptability, equilibrium, variability, flexibility, and resilience were major concepts that influenced the direction of the project.