Widely considered a model for climate-adaptive nature-based infrastructure, Living Breakwaters is a $107 million project that provides a layered approach to resilience and risk reduction—enhancing physical, ecological and social resilience along the South Shore of Staten Island, NY.

The project consists primarily of 2,400 linear feet of near-shore breakwaters—partially submerged structures built of stone and ecologically-enhanced concrete units—that will break waves, reducing storm damage and erosion on shore, and provide a range of structured habitat for oysters, fin fish and other marine species. The Living Breakwaters concept was developed by a large, multi-disciplinary team led by SCAPE as part of a winning proposal for Rebuild By Design, the design competition launched by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) after Superstorm Sandy. The project is being implemented by the NY Office of Resilient Homes and Communities and will finish construction this year.

The project embodies new perspectives and practices in the development, design, and construction of hybrid nature-based infrastructure. This session will explore the principles and process of designing and implementing Living Breakwaters, the diverse, interdisciplinary perspectives and expertise that involved, and lessons learned for other nature-based coastal infrastructure that aims to deliver risk reduction, ecosystem, and social benefits.

The Network for Engineering With Nature_® (EWN) invites you to the N-EWN Knowledge Series: A Continuing Education Series about Engineering with Nature—Living Breakwaters and Other Nature-Based Adaptation Projects with Pippa Brashear, RLA, Resilience Principal & Partner at SCAPE Landscape Architecture DPC. This 1-hour Zoom webinar took place August 15, 2024 at 12:30pm ET.

For previously recorded seminars, please visit the N-EWN Seminars page.