The BIG U: Resilient Design Transforming Manhattans Waterfront [Video]

The BIG U flood protection system, designed by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) in Manhattan, transforms 10 miles of vulnerable waterfront into a multi-functional urban infrastructure. Divided into three compartments, it integrates flood defenses with social infrastructure, offering parks, berms, and deployable walls that protect against storms while enhancing public spaces. Key features include the Lower East Side Bridging Berm, the artistic Deployable Walls under the FDR Drive, and the Battery Berm with its elevated paths and proposed maritime museum. Developed in collaboration with local communities, the BIG U redefines resilience by combining sustainability, inclusivity, and urban livability. Recognized with the Holcim Foundation Award, the project sets a global precedent for addressing climate challenges through innovative design.

The BIG U, also known as the Dryline, is a groundbreaking urban-scale flood protection project designed by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) to safeguard and revitalize Manhattan’s vulnerable waterfront. Initiated in response to the catastrophic damage caused …