MONOCLE SPOTLIGHTS EAST SIDE COASTAL RESILIENCY AMONG GLOBAL WATERFRONT PROJECTS RETHINKING URBAN SHORELINES

Monocle’s July issue examines how cities are transforming their waterfronts into resilient, people-centered public spaces, spotlighting projects in Sydney, New York, and Kobe. Representing New York is the East Side Coastal Resiliency project – a 2.5-mile stretch of flood and storm protection along the East River in Manhattan, designed by BIG, Mathews Nielsen Landscape Architects, ONE Architecture & Urbanism, AKRF, and residents of the Lower East Side. The project weaves together flood barrier walls and gates, bridging berms, and pedestrian bridges with open lawns, picnic areas, tennis and basketball courts, and other amenities, building social infrastructure alongside a more resilient waterfront. Sections are now open, including East River Park, with the remainder slated to complete in 2027.