Preserving the Archipelago

Floyd Bennet Field, a historically significant yet ecologically vulnerable site, has transformed significantly over time. Once an archipelago, it was infilled with 6 million cubic yards of soil in the early 20th century to become New York’s first commercial airport. Despite the airport’s lack of commercial success, it was the landing site for many of the pioneering aviators. During the Second World War, the airport was requisitioned by the US Navy and turned into a key strategic base for the United States coastal defense and aircraft production. Once the war ended, Floyd Bennet Field’s significance slowly dwindled. The bustling factories shuttered, and the runways saw a gradual decline in touchdowns.

Subsequently, the management of the land was transferred to the National Parks Service. Currently categorized as a National Recreation Area, the field serves as a park where both community-led and top-down programs thrive. A community garden grows healthily, an archery range sees archery competitions, an experimental charter school is under construction, and a temporarily permanent migrant shelter, amongst other programs, is scattered throughout the site.

Despite the site’s historical significance, no existing structures are listed under NYC’s historic building database. With significant land erosion in the infilled areas, several buildings have already been swallowed by the water.

Furthermore, the field is at significant risk of flooding in the coming years, threatening both the existing programs and the historic site.

In response, our reimagined vision seeks to restore Floyd Bennet Field to its original archipelago form. Using dredged soil from this transformation to create elevated berms around key ecological and historical points on the site, floodwater is directed away onto the walled-up runway for a gradual release, easing the floodwater’s effect on the site and surrounding neighborhoods. To ensure the existing community programs are not displaced by unforeseeable top-down forces, each program is then re-housed in its individual intervention. An elevated pedestrian path that also houses a light rail track connects the archipelago as well as to the greater Brooklyn and Manhattan area to ensure accessibility even when flooded.

Focusing on both ecological and programmatic preservation, we envision the total transformation of the site so that in 150 years, the field is still home to a bizarre mix of programs, created by the surrounding community.

PRESERVING THE ARCHIPELAGO

Urban Master Plan
Brooklyn, New York
Fall 2024 Option Studio
Advised by David Eugin Moon
Partner project with Justin Mortman

SITE: Research

Future flood risk analysis in relation to site accessibility with existing public transport networks

Site soil composition analysis of the 14 feet of soil that was dredged
and infilled the former Barren Islands to create Floyd Bennet Field.

SITE: Existing Programs

Floyd Bennet Field is currently home to a myriad of different programs, most of which were formed by the local community. However, the site is also home to some top-down forces, such as the controversial migrant’s emergency housing.

SITE: Phasing

Phasing gif showing the transformation of Barren Island to Floyd Bennet Field via heavy land infill, follwed by our reversal of Floyd Benett Field back into its former archipelago form

SITE: Axon

Overall site drawing showing the berming of the land, the reversal to its former archipelago form, and the establishment of the formal structures that can house the currently informal community programs

PROGRAM: Axon

Archery

Site Museum

Research Center

Hangar B Addition

RC Plane + Car Club

Kayak Launch

Relocated Marina

Cafe + Commercial

Formal Emergency Housing

Ferry Stop

PROGRAM: Plan

Plan of Hangar B addition, giving the community-led aircraft restoration museum more space for conservation and exhibition

PROGRAM: Section

Section of Hangar B and the proposed addition, showing the berm’s significant topographical effect and its ability to keep floodwater on the submerged runway

Section cut through the berm and parts of Hangar B. The berm is able to prevent floodwater from damaging the existing historic structures

PERSPECTIVE: Activities

Standing inside the proposed Hangar B addition looking out at the bermed land and sunken runway

Standing on the newly constructed elevated path that bridges together the archipelago

Looking at the propsed Hangar B addition in relation to the flood wall and the historic Hangar B

PERSPECTIVE: Moments

Visitors at the museum as seen by a passenger on a ferry

Openings in the continuous flood wall as places of respite

Enjoying the sunset on the elevated walkway

Enthusiasts flying their RC planes at the new RC plane club

Waiting for the ferry at the ferry stop

Picnicing atop the bermed land

Cultivating the community garden

Playing soccer in the now protected land