The Land, Water, Air Research Institute Proposal confronts the boundary between human and natural environment as a pedagogical landscape by re-interpreting the design flood elevation for academic and recreational opportunity. The project adapts the morphology of a nearby estuary surrounding Egg Island in New Jersey, with similar tidal conditions and environmental factors, converting the closed distribution center on-site to a framework for a productive new ecology. Walkways, elevated above this floodable parkspace, re-envision New York City’s experience of flood mitigation measures, offering an interactive engagement with an estuarine waterfront that protects through organic processes. Catenary arches, generated to accommodate the estuary with minimum footprints connect interior and exterior programs as circulation streets passing through the site, from landscape to building, to landscape again. The self-supporting arches use brick masonry materially sourced from decommissioned buildings on-site and off-site supplies, to ensure endurance, practical and environmental re-use and post-petroleum material efficiency
