archipelaGROW (August 2013)

ONE Prize 2013: StormProof (Terreform ONE competition)

Collaborators: Matt Adler, Yeliz Karadayi

Nestled in New York City’s Upper Bay, this intervention aims to prepare the area for the next super storm. The series of islands are comprised of underwater triangulated lattices, connected by floating pods at various intersections. The result is the introduction of archipelaGROW, NYC’s first parametrically expandable storm surge diversion system. The lattice network is the skeleton for an artificial reef, promoting plant and shellfish growth. Over time the reef will be abundant enough to take on the most severe storm surges and has the potential to expand or contract as necessary. Governor’s Island, Ellis Island, and Liberty Island are important parts of the archipelago, acting as programmatic hubs from which to access the new islands. Thus, archipelaGROW has a dual identity: the above-water program encourages recreational water activities and the cultivation of plant life. Underwater, the zones below the islands become protected, where new aquatic life can thrive.