Community Center:
Rockaways
Done in Collaboration with Jessica Lin
The Rockaways is a neighborhood in New York that has always struggled with flooding as a central cause of the disappearance of trees and the birds which inhabit them. Due to the rising sea levels caused by global warming, the Rockaways has found itself faced with the glaring reality of continuous flooding and eventually the community as a whole being swallowed by the ocean. The goal of this project was to provide a safe haven for the community in the event of flooding which could endanger lives while also existing as a habitat for the local trees and birds pushed out due to this flooding.
Restoring the Rockaways
This restoration of the natural landscape was achieved by providing raised green roofs and non-human accessible gardens with a bike path linking the entire project. The non-human accessible areas ensure the safety and reintroduction of wildlife while the shared green space atop the community center provides zones for learning about the native flora and fauna. The bike path situated within the center of the project encourages the use of non-automobile travel throughout the community. The separate raised zones also provide sanctuaries in the event of flooding.
Project Development
Community and Nature
The implementation of a bike path connecting both sides of the sidewalk to the site provides a unique opportunity for the residents of the Rockaways to traverse through the built-in valley which is designed to withstand flooding. During the rainy seasons, the area transforms into a makeshift river separating the built-up natural environments inhabited by animals while allowing flooding within the bike path to prevent humans from traversal. The green walls were designed to be natural extensions of the landscape around it with the green roof providing a mixed human-animal space allowing the design to fully support both public and private human and animal zones.
Designing for Crisis
