Reimagining Community Resilience

In response to recent natural disasters, including the devastating Northern California wildfires, the HASSELL + team has embarked on a mission to transform the San Francisco Bay Area into a resilient and vibrant community hub. Their vision is to create a region equipped with temporary facilities to support residents during emergencies. This initiative is part of the Resilient by Design competition, challenging ten teams to devise solutions for the waterfront through innovative design and collaborative research endeavors.

Network Structure for Resilience

HASSELL + MVRDV’s proposal revolves around the integration of a network structure comprising ‘connectors’ and ‘collectors’ to bolster the waterfront’s physical and social resilience. The plan entails revitalizing streets, creeks, and ferry networks to serve as ‘connectors,’ facilitating safe movement during crises. Additionally, adaptive open spaces, acting as ‘collectors,’ will provide vital assembly areas during emergencies while serving as vibrant community hubs during normal times.

International Expertise and Local Collaboration

The HASSELL + team, led by HASSELL and comprising MVDRV, Deltares, Goudappel, Lotus Water, Civic Edge, Page & Turnbull, Hatch, and Idyllist, leverages a diverse range of international perspectives and local expertise. Drawing on their collective experience in urban landscape design centered around water, they aim to unlock the social potential of the waterfront for local communities.

Socially Sustainable Masterplan

Drawing from their previous work on the Sydney Waterfront, where functional elements were transformed into cultural icons, HASSELL + emphasizes the creation of a socially sustainable masterplan for the San Francisco Bay Area. Their approach encompasses various elements to support vulnerable communities, healthcare, and local businesses. They stress the importance of forward-thinking design strategies to address the challenges posed by climate change and rising temperatures.

Engaging the Community

HASSELL + plans to establish a drop-in center along Grand Avenue, serving as a collaborative hub for engaging with the local community during the design process. By soliciting input and ideas from residents, they aim to tailor design solutions to meet the community’s needs. Additionally, a digital platform will provide opportunities for visualization and participation in decision-making processes related to the Bay Area’s future.

In summary, HASSELL + MVRDV’s proposal represents a holistic approach to enhancing the resilience of the San Francisco Bay Area, blending international expertise with local insights to create a vibrant and adaptive waterfront community.