BIG + ONE + SHERWOOD reimagine the bay area's islais creek as a 'social ecosystem'

between now and may 2018, a design team comprising bjarke ingels group (BIG), one architecture + urbanism, and sherwood engineers will develop solutions for part of the san francisco bay area vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. islais creek, which emerges into the bay at the southern end of san francisco, and sits between a diverse set of communities, is an important center of food, logistics, and port operations. considered one of the city’s most important locations for its long-term health and resilience, the re-imagining of the area provides an opportunity to strengthen ecological systems, current infrastructure, and connectivity.

all images courtesy of BIG + ONE + SHERWOOD

the scheme forms part of the bay area challenge, a year-long collaborative design program that seeks to bring together local residents, public officials, and local, national and international experts. the initiative will result in ten community-based solutions that will strengthen bay area’s resilience to sea level rise, severe storms, flooding, and earthquakes. as part of the plans, BIG + ONE + SHERWOOD aim to restore islais creek to its natural functioning. according to the team, a small-scale intervention on islais creek could provide an influential framework for the bay area, linking mobility, ecology, and people.

the initial plans include recreational pools

BIG + ONE + SHERWOOD’s research report, which can be viewed here, outlines plans for floating villages, recreational ponds, and e-bike trails. ‘we have deep conviction that it is possible for islais park to bring vitality, strength, and hope back to a community that has suffered in recent decades, yet is positioned as one of the most important locations in san francisco for the long term health and resilience of the city,’ says the team. watch the video at the top of the page for an overview of the exciting plans, and stay updated here.

the design seeks to strengthen bay area’s resilience to sea level rise, severe storms, and flooding

transport and urban mobility makes up a large part of the scheme

islais creek emerges into the bay at the southern end of san francisco

a host of recreational facilities and amenities have been considered

the design team will continue to work on the plans until may 2018