Hoboken City is located on the western bank of the Hudson River, across Manhattan Island. Due to its geographical location and topography, two thirds of the city is in flood zone, making only the eastern part of the city a safe place away from flooding. Besides, historically Hoboken is surrounded by water and only modern transport construction filled in the waterways to the west of the city. A large train station on the south side serves as a hub between New Jersey and Manhattan.
The Weehawken Cove is one of the two entry points of surge storm into Hoboken (the other being the train station itself), and it is located at the northern end of Hoboken. This “Sponge” projects aims to prevent surge while creating series of “water cells” that filter run-off water before it is discharged to Hudson River. Besides its wave barrier, water filter and storage function, the “Sponge” is also an attractive public space with water activities.