Architectural Research Office collaborated with landscape architect Susanna Drake to come up with a plan to protect lower Manhattan’s waterfront from flooding. The ecological infrastructure makes use of a slope surrounding the perimeter of the island to act as a natural buffer against storm surges.

Wetlands around the edge of lower Manhattan are more resilient to severe weather events.

Water, sewer, gas, and electric services are relocated to accessible, waterproof vaults beneath the sidewalk. The roadbed is rebuilt as a network of porous streets to absorb rainfall and channel water from a storm surge out to the harbor.

An aerial view of the plan.