A Vision for a Resilient East Harlem studied integrated solutions to make parks and public spaces high performance and multi-functional in support of climate and social resilience. Our interdisciplinary design team collaborated with city agencies, neighborhood institutions, and community stakeholders to identify strategies for waterfront access, stormwater management, and social infrastructure. The team developed a flexible adaptation framework to guide the incorporation of resilience considerations into future capital projects in the neighborhood. The planning process was anchored in the East Harlem community through an innovative partnership with a local charter school. Overall, the vision features three themes for improving parks and strengthening social networks through climate resilience: manage stormwater, create resilient public spaces, and adapt the waterfront.

Images by: Starr Whitehouse Landscape Architects