WXY/West 8
New York

The Jamaica Bay/Rockaway design opportunity is to seek out the relationships of residents to the waterfront, and provide a coastal strategy that fortifies the ecological and social relationships.

Jamaica Bay and the Rockaways present a unique set of challenges when addressing climate change and sea-level rise. Geologically, this region is primarily understood by its relationship to the ocean and bay, the two bounding forces that provide the limits of these locations. As the geomorphology of the area is intrinsically linked with the constant tidal action, its ecologies must be adapted to handle extreme weather and storm surge.

This region presents a common beachfront challenge, choosing between boardwalk or beach dune, public or private. Much of the region’s economy thrives with the existence of these dichotomies. As a result of the storm, many homes and boardwalks were devastated beyond repair and are now faced with escalating insurance costs and rebuilding pressures. The Jamaica Bay/Rockaway design opportunity is to seek out the relationships of residents to the waterfront, and provide a coastal strategy that fortifies the ecological and social relationships.