NYC Parks

Garrison Architects is designing 37 flood-proof modular structures, engineered to withstand extreme weather conditions, for the New York City Parks Department and the Department of Design and Construction which will be placed on 15 sites in Rockaway Beach in Queens, Brooklyn's Coney Island, and Midland Beach, Wolfe's Pond Park, and Cedar Grove in Staten Island. The structures have a common, customizable chassis that can be modified for use as comfort stations, lifeguard stations, and offices. By using a kit-of-parts assembly method, one module design can accommodate a variety of access heights and site conditions. Each module sits off the ground and is connected to a series of ramps and landings made of off-the-rack aluminum marine gangplanks. The modular structures produce enough renewable energy to meet their needs and sustainable features include operable windows that allow for natural cross ventilation, a skylight that allows natural light to enter the space, photovoltaics, and solar hot water. The modulars will be installed at or above the ABFE 500 year flood elevation. The process is being fast-tracked so the structures will be in place by Memorial Day weekend.