Metropolitan Hospital FEMA Flood Resiliency, less than half a block from Manhattan’s East River, responds to the requirement of nearly a half mile of flood protection systems as tall as 12 feet to guard against future storms and sea level rise.
The barrier’s shape transforms from brick clad wall to sculptural wall to landscape berm then to public art and light displays as it wraps across the site. Points of interest such as glass tile murals, plantings, and a custom fence all make the flood wall less imposing. Technical innovations include designs for retractable and permanent barriers which account for the hydrostatic and hydrodynamic forces, debris impact, ease of deployment, time required for deployment, and maintenance costs.
This strategy—of combining urban planning with innovative technology—will benefit communities facing flood hazard issues across the world. Conscientious design, redefines the protective barrier as a series of places that can be assets to both the hospital and the community.
(www.stantec.com)
Stantec designed the project for NYC Economic Development
Corporation, providing a battery of services- landscape architecture, civil engineering, environmental, assessment & permitting, and resiliency & mitigation.
