Above the Tide

Redhook, NY

2022

In the aftermath of the Erie Canal’s construction, New York City underwent a transformation into a vibrant shipping hub, with Red Hook establishing itself as the world’s largest freight port in the 1920s.

Despite its historical significance, the neighborhood faced substantial flooding challenges due to its elevated coastal location. This design formulates strategies to alleviate the impact of flooding. My proposed solution centered on the establishment of an elevated school equipped with specialized systems capable of addressing both coastal and rainwater-induced flooding.

The school’s central auditorium is strategically designed to function as a rainwater collection facility, while the elevated structure supported by pillars act as a formidable barrier against coastal flooding. The gymnasium is meticulously constructed with garage-like doors on one side and reinforced concrete walls on the other, enabling swift evacuation of water in the event of flooding, thus safeguarding the community against potential inundation risks.

The majority of the program is elevated 12’ -0” above ground as a means of coastal resiliency. However, few spaces remain on the ground floor. These spaces include the gymnasium, the coastal catchment basin, the entrance to the central courtyard, as well as one of the entrances to the auditorium.