Resilience Performance Case Study

This research project examines the coastal resilience of a waterfront park in New York City five years after opening.  The study focused on understanding how elements of the design and construction of phase 1 for Hunter’s Point South Waterfront Park contributed to a high level of resilience during and after Hurricane Sandy, especially related to coastal flooding, storm surge, and heavy rains.  Researchers utilized drone-captured still photography and video taken over the course of a day to analyze the site and usage, on-site hand tabulated data, interviews, and storm surge models.  Part of the investigation was conducted with researchers from Penn State University and funded by the Landscape Architecture Foundation as a part of the Landscape Performance Series through a National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Arts Works grant.  Funding also came from the Patrick T. Curran Fellowship.  The research continues SWA’s work on post-occupancy assessment for the fifth year.