The Hurricane Sandy was a devastating experience that contributed to the long-term recovery of the New York’s infrastructure, in particular the flooded subway system and tunnels. Even though it is rather challenging, Feuer states that the locally-responsive design should be used in order to enhance the resiliency of waterfront communities. In this regard, the BIG U project is focused on integration of hedonistic sustainability into the urban infrastructure. To be more precise, this project is aimed at flood and storm protection, as it offers a unique system that encompasses 10 miles around Manhattan. Thus, a sustainable ecosystem is expected to be built so that to prevent flooding by means of construction of bulkheads, seawalls together with buffer zones. Apart from that, there is an urgent need to redesign subway tunnels, power stations as well as other public amenities. Therefore, it is essential to support the sustainability and optimize the human interaction in terms of recreational facilities within communities. According to Feuer, the Big U is a proposal to build the linked defenses in the form of a chin strap in order to protect the coastline of Manhattan. Interestingly, Feuer notes that erecting this effective barrier to water is supposed to end up being an innovative string of waterfront parks. Manhattan is in dire need of sustainable solutions, thereby redesigning a subterranean system is strategically vital. Strenuous efforts should be made in order to make the coastal city more resilient.
Works Cited
Feuer, Alan. “Building for the Next Big Storm: After Hurricane Sandy, New York Rebuilds for the Future.” The New York Times. Oct. 25, 2014. Web. April 13, 2016. <http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/26/nyregion/after-hurricane-sandy-new-york-rebuilds-for-the-future.html?_r=1>
