New York City is sinking under the weight of its skyscrapers, new research shows, which could put its population of more than 8 million people at an increased risk of coastal flooding. [...]
Researchers estimated the weight of all of New York City’s buildings to be around 842 million tons. But to find the areas more vulnerable to sinking — or, as they call it in more scientific terms, “subsidence” — a key factor to consider was the type of soil beneath the buildings.
— The Verge
A new study authored by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) found the city to be sinking at a rate of between 1 to 2 millimeters per year, while parts of Lower Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island are subsiding at a rate of 2.75 millimeters. This comes at a time when planning officials, architects, and building owners are scrambling to adapt to the shrinking office market accelerated by the pandemic.
The increased flood risk, enhanced by construction densification, is particularly dangerous to coastal cities whose clay-rich soil causes “material softness and ability to flow under pressure,” according to the study.
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Architects have a strong affinity for densification, advocating against the sprawling design of cities like Los Angeles and instead emphasizing the need for increased public transportation. However, it is important to consider the negative aspects of densification, particularly when looking at New York City as a cautionary example. In this context, densification primarily benefits large developers who take advantage of publicly funded transportation systems. Sadly, the quality of life for residents in New York City is notably poor, with dirty streets, frequent rodent sightings, and an overwhelming amount of trash. It is surprising that the local population has managed to stay healthy despite these unfavorable conditions.
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