Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 31, 2017
CONTACT: media@nycha.nyc.gov

AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTURE RECOGNIZES NYCHA'S RED HOOK HOUSES RESILIENCY PROJECT FOR OUTSTANDING DESIGN

The project, designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates, will receive a Merit distinction for outstanding design in the Urban Design category in the 2017 Design Awards.

NEW YORK–– The American Institute of Architecture (AIA) New York Chapter has recognized the New York City Housing Authority’s (NYCHA) Red Hook Houses resiliency project for its outstanding design. The project, designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF) Associates, will receive a Merit distinction for outstanding design in the Urban Design category at AIA’s 2017 Design Awards ceremony on April 21, 2017.

Joy Sinderbrand, NYCHA Vice President of Recovery and Resilience, said, “We’re thrilled the American Institute of Architecture in New York is recognizing NYCHA’s Red Hook Resiliency project especially since our residents had a hand in the design of the project. KPF and OLIN used our residents’ vision to develop an innovative conceptual design for Red Hook Houses that will reduce the community’s vulnerability to flooding.”

Red Hook Houses, the largest public housing development in Brooklyn, houses more than 6,000 residents in its 28 buildings. Hurricane Sandy caused significant damage to the boiler plants, as well as the mechanical and electrical systems at Red Hook Houses due to flooding in the basements, affecting heat, hot water and power service.

NYCHA led multiple community workshops where residents gave their vision for the future of Red Hook Houses. KPF and landscape architecture firm OLIN devised a plan that lessened the community’s vulnerability to natural disasters while improving the sustainability and conditions of the buildings and surroundings. The resiliency plan at Red Hook includes innovative elements such as above-ground utility pods to deliver heat and electricity to the buildings and lily pads, raised areas within the internal courtyards between the buildings that provide flood barriers. Typically, these areas will be accessible by stairs and ramps and have playgrounds and green spaces on top. During flooding, passive barriers and a flood wall will protect the areas until the water recedes.

Courtyards protected by lily pads during a storm

NYCHA is finalizing the design plan and expects to begin the first phase of reconstruction at Red Hook Houses before the end of this year.

The winning projects will be further recognized at the Center for Architecture in the 2017 Design Awards exhibition, on view April 21 through June 20, 2017. See a slideshow of all 35 winning projects here.

 

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