This studio aimed to look in depth at the issues facing such coastal communities, through an exploration of the SMIA (Significant Maritime Industrial Area) located along the edges of Newtown Creek, more particularly the English Kills.

NYC’s industrial areas are not only threatened by economic challenges besetting the manufacturing sector but much of the industrial sector resides within the flood plane, historically situated along waterways due to easy access to water-borne transportation, and distance from the city-center.

Newtown Creek is one such example; as a heavily industrialized waterway, with a wide variety of industries and companies. While this area is low-lying, it was not impacted during the floods of Super Storm Sandy. But other critical issues face this waterway such as it’s high rate of pollution as one of New York City’s two Superfund Sites, future rising water levels with sea- level rise, and as one of the most impacted regions by DEP’s Combined Sewer Overflow system.

My group focused on waterfront strategies to prevent flooding coming from the creek, as well as, green infrastructure design solutions to enhance the rainwater capture in the nearby surroundings.