MOMA Launches "Rising Currents: Projects for NY's Waterfront"

By the time they concluded their study earlier this year on the need for adaptive infrastructure in and around New York Harbor, renowned structural engineer Guy Nordenson and his multi-disciplinary Latrobe Team from Princeton University were alarmed at the potential for devastation. Existing "hard" infrastructure, such as drainage pipe networks, is no match for the storm surges and sea level rise forecast for the coming years. Nordenson and his team say that "soft" infrastructure -- such as artificial reefs and extended piers to break wave energy -- should be the focus of future waterfront development.

Working with the Museum of Modern Art, Nordenson expanded this study into a unique initiative called "Rising Currents: Projects for New York's Waterfront." Four teams of architects, engineers and landscape designers took up residence at PS 1 Contemporary Art Center on November 16 and began eight-week workshops to brainstorm ideas for innovative waterfront infrastructure in four different geographical areas. Note the subway car reef, oyster farms and wind turbines near Liberty Island. Manmade wetlands are proposed for Zone 2. Aslip is proposed for Sunset Park, part of Zone 3.

The workshops will conclude by early January, and on March 24 the second phase of the project -- an exhibition of the proposed projects developed by the teams -- will open at MoMA.

The exhibition, which will remain in place through August 10, will feature physical and digital models and drawings. Providing context, the exhibition will include detailed maps, historical images and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) maps examining layers of density, transportation networks, topographic and bathymetric data, 100- and 500-year flood zones and Category 1, 2, 3 and 4 hurricane storm surge zones, as well as projected flooding based on sea level rise.

Public programs are part of this project. The first is an Open House on December 12, 2pm to 6pm at PS 1 Contemporary Art Center in Long Island City. For more information, check www.ps1.org