Living with Water

As climate change causes sea levels to rise by as much as 6’ over the next century, our cities will be required to redefine their relationship with water. Architecture, circulation networks, and green space must all be designed to be resilient and to expect frequent inundation. Sponsored by the Urban Land Institute Boston and The Kresge Foundation, Arrowstreet took lead roles in the day-long charrette and subsequent report for “The Urban Implications of Living with Water” initiative.

The resulting speculative proposal horizontally broadens the defensive seawall typology to create a wide swath of defensive green space in Boston’s Innovation District. The shifting topography invites water in strategically to create tidal pools and canals that punctuate a new recreational infrastructure along the existing Harborwalk.