Firm Credit : Ronnette Riley Architect
Description
NYCHA Housing projects located in coastal areas suffered moderate to severe damage after Hurricane Sandy. While at Ronnette Riley Architect, Lynn Fritzlen served as project manager/architect for the preliminary design of the restoration of five impacted properties. As the prime consultant the architect led the efforts of the civil, MEP, structural engineers and landscape architect. The team prepared assessment reports and conceptual design documentation.
Design Features
Recommendations were separated into three categories: 1) flood-proof 2) flood resistant and 3) sacrificial. Areas below the Design Flood Elevations (DFE) that housed critical infrastructure were designed to “flood proofed” standards. Non-critical areas were designed to “flood resistant” standards and some elements, such as site improvements were considered “sacrificial.”
Sustainable Practices Storm resilient design strategies included moving electrical and boilers above the DFE to roof locations. Flood proofed areas utilized sub-marine doors, negative and positive side waterproofing, sealed window openings and sub-grade drains to avoid flood waters. Flood resistant areas incorporated salt water resistant finishes and equipment, break away openings and relocation of power above to above the DFE. Community Centers were designed to serve as safe havens during evacuations and athletic fields and playgrounds were repurposed to detention and retention during flooding.
LYNN FRITZLEN ARCHITECT 