TROY, N.Y. — Research from the Center for Architecture, Science, and Ecology (CASE) and the School of Architecture at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute was chosen by the Trust for Governor’s Island to be part of its inaugural Climate Solutions Challenge, a call for small businesses, entrepreneurs, and nonprofits to test and demonstrate urban climate solutions.

Marcus Carter, an assistant professor at RPI and a founding partner at OBJECT TERRITORIES, will pilot a new iteration of Intertidal Objects, habitat-friendly coastal protection units designed in collaboration with OBJECT TERRITORIES, students from the School of Architecture, CASE industry member The Fort Miller Group, and after NATURE, as part of this year’s Water Abundance Challenge. The initial call for proposals by the Trust for Governor’s Island sought “projects that utilize water to help power climate solutions that grow blue and green jobs and create healthier communities.”

The team’s research explores ways to support a constructed shoreline that will better mitigate against storm surges. By using geometrically shaped and faceted concrete forms rather than hard sea walls, or riprap, the team is working to understand what materials and shapes will best promote micro-habitats that encourage algae and small aquatic lifeforms, and, in turn, protect the shoreline as the climate changes. Rensselaer’s students have the unique opportunity to take their work outside of the classroom, engaging in design, fabrication, and observation of the installation.

“Governor’s Island is an extraordinary site for the next installation of this research,” Carter said. “The mix of fresh and ocean water combined with the proximity to millions of people in New York City at a time when the impacts of climate change are making clear the critical need for water habitats in urban environments will be a good test for Intertidal Objects.”

OBJECT TERRITORIES has previously led installations of Intertidal Objects on Randall’s Island in New York City and in Hong Kong.

Five other pilot programs were also selected as part of the Climate Solutions Challenge. Their pilot sites will also provide valuable opportunities to engage with the Island’s rapidly growing audience of nearly one million annual visitors through public demonstrations, workshops, training opportunities, and other initiatives.

For more information on the Climate Solutions Challenge, visit the Governor’s Island website or read this article in the Architect’s Newspaper.

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Jeanne Gallagher, Communications Director
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