Environmental Catalyst
Environmental Catalyst
Sandy Hook, NJ
NJIT, Spring 2013 Options Studio with critic, Thomas Ogorzalek
Exhibited at the 2013 PCI Convention and National Bridge Conference and was featured in a publication and lecture series about resilient design done at NJIT.
Sandy Hook, an area of recreation and wildlife, was devastated after Hurricane Sandy. The existing ferry terminal was destroyed, roads were uplifted, and the coastline changed. But even prior to this, the coastline was in constant change due to wave action from the bay and ocean. This took its toll on the wildlife of Sandy Hook. As the coastline constantly shifted, the habitat of certain animals, such as the Northern Diamond Back Terrapin and the Great Blue Herron, began to dwindle. And as their habitats began to dwindle, so did their numbers.
I propose to implement a system that will not only sustain the existing coastline, but also promote the expansion of the saltwater marshes, which house these animals, in hopes that their survival, as well as the survival of the coast will be ensured. This system is composed of a field of precast concrete panels designed to encourage the growth of saltwater grasses. The system works in similar ways to the saltwater marsh in that it holds the land together, mitigating any erosion due to wave action and severe weather. So as the marsh begins to grow within the concrete field, a hybrid of man-made and environmental infrastructure is formed.
The panel is a 10’x10’ concrete waffle, with 8” pockets that allow for the build up of sediments. As the sediments build, grasses will begin to grow. The porous nature of the panel allows for water to be pooled, then slowly drained back into the earth. Specialized panels allow for people to walk through the new marshland, and for water to be collected to be used for the natural ventilation of the ferry terminal and pavilions. The system is set up for easy use by the human population, with minimal interference to the new habitat forming.
First, concrete piles are distributed along the site. The panels are then plugged into these piles, which also allow for the plug-in of wooden pavilions to accommodate bike rental stations and snack bars for the visiting population in the spring and summer months. At first, the system will only flood with water from the bay and rain. As time passes, the water will begin the distribution of sediments into the system. As the system fills with sediment, grasses will grow, and the saltwater marsh will flourish, providing a new, more resilient habitat for the wildlife of Sandy Hook.
