This project is a transformative endeavor aimed at redefining Governor’s Island as a model of innovative urban design and resilience against rising sea levels. Central to this initiative is the redesign of the island’s sea wall to create a floodable east side, fostering a dynamic interplay between the urban environment and its natural context. Complementing this, the integration of Stormtrap technology beneath existing warehouses optimizes land use, creating multi-functional spaces that efficiently manage rainwater and tidal flows, contributing to flood prevention and sustainable water resource utilization.

Key features include the constructed wetlands as a natural “foreshore” protection system, pulling back the sea wall to allow controlled flooding. The Stormtrap technology, situated underground, captures, filters, and stores water, serving various purposes such as replenishing wetlands, supporting irrigation, and sustaining a closed-loop water management system. The permeable development zone further reduces ecological impact, fostering a resilient and adaptive urban landscape that harmoniously integrates with the island’s natural environment. The Resilient Waterscapes project envisions Governor’s Island as a global model for sustainable urban design, balancing innovation with ecological consciousness.