Biotic Scaffold
Maegan SantosThe Gowanus Canal, a narrow commercial waterway in New York City, was once a natural tidal creek home to abundant aquatic life. Decades of industrial pollution and ongoing sewer overflow has damaged habitats and decimated local flora and fauna populations. A proposed ecological research center in this developing neighborhood assumes responsibility for this human impact.
By approaching the design of human infrastructure as a scaffold for the growth of biotic ecosystems, we can begin to address these anthropogenic effects. Hydrologic and ecologic mapping of the canal’s historic creek patterns, watershed, drainage, wildlife and micro-organisms informed an approach addressing the needs of three ecosystems: marine, human and aerial. Eroding the water’s edge, regranting tidal autonomy, and restoring historic wetlands begins ecological remediation of the river. By analyzing and modifying attributes of man-made artifacts, including piers and piles, to support intertidal habitat growth spanning all ecosystems, we can initiate harmony between the biotic and abiotic.
Maegan Santos is pursuing a Bachelor of Architecture at the New Jersey Institute of Technology. This project was originally prepared for ARCH 396 taught by Elizabeth Macwillie in Spring 2023.
This project was published as part of Transect Volume 5: Pedagogy (2024), Jacob Swanson, Daniel Girgis, Dhruvi Rajpopat, Fatima Fardos, Jimenna Alcantar, Elizabeth Kowalchuk, eds.