Widely considered a model for climate-adaptive nature-based infrastructure, Living Breakwaters takes a layered approach to resilience—reducing physical risk while enhancing ecological and social resilience along the South Shore of Staten Island on Raritan Bay. The Living Breakwaters concept was developed by a landscape architect-led multi-disciplinary team for Rebuild by Design, the competition launched by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development after Superstorm Sandy. A winning proposal, the design and construction were implemented by New York State with Federal and State funding. After over a decade of work, the community celebrated its completion in 2024.
The low-lying coastal community of Tottenville experienced some of the most damaging waves in the region during Superstorm Sandy. Chronic beach erosion also threatens infrastructure and natural and historic resources along the shoreline. Living Breakwaters consists of 2,400 linear feet of near-shore breakwaters—partially submerged structures built of stone and ecologically-enhanced concrete units—that break waves and reduce erosion of the beach. Informed by digital and physical modeling, the breakwaters attenuate both everyday waves that cause erosion and large storm waves, mitigating the risk posed to the historic Conference House Park and the Tottenville community.
The breakwaters also provide aquatic habitat for oysters, fin fish, and other marine species, reviving ecosystem services once provided by oyster reefs. For centuries, oyster beds were abundant in Raritan Bay and were critical to the food source and economy of native Lenape people and colonial settlers. Research shows that these reefs also attenuated waves and protected the shore. By the 1900s, over harvesting, dredging, and declining water quality decimated the oyster population, along with the oysters’ beneficial ecological functions. Inspired by the bay’s historic landscape, Living Breakwaters restores many of these functions. “Reef ridges”—rocky protrusions on the breakwaters—and “reef streets”—the narrow spaces between the reef ridges—provide habitat complexity and support biodiversity. Marine life is already thriving, with a variety of invertebrates, fish, crabs, harbor seals, and oysters spotted on the structures. Live oyster installation is planned in the coming years, further restoring the bay’s biodiverse habitat.
The project also fosters awareness and stewardship in Tottenville, and Staten Island more widely, through educational programs for local schools, as well as years of engagement with a coalition of local stakeholders that included shore-walks, beach clean-ups, class visits, exhibitions, and interactive workshops. The project team helped a local educational nonprofit develop a Living Breakwaters curriculum for students in 6th to 8th grade public school science classes, which over 2,000 students on Staten Island have used. These efforts ensure that future generations understand the importance of coastal ecology and can actively participate in shaping a resilient future for their community.
Living Breakwaters’ innovative approach has sparked interest nationally and beyond and has elevated the discipline of landscape architecture in the field of coastal adaptation and nature-based infrastructure. The project has been featured in museum exhibitions and press worldwide as an exemplary case of how engineered solutions, ecological design, and social resilience can coexist—and come to fruition.
Data
Landscape Architecture: SCAPE
Collaborators:
COWI — Design Team
Arcadis — Design Team
SeArc Ecological Marine Consulting — Design Team
WSP — Design Team
MFS Engineers — Design Team
Prudent Engineering — Design Team
Billion Oyster Project — Engagement
Weeks Marine — Construction Contractor
Ramboll — Construction Management
Baird — Construction Management
AKRF — Environmental Review & Permitting
Photo credits: Ty Cole and courtesy of SCAPE
