RecologyPier96C&DRecyclingFacilityProposal
Project Site - Pier 94
Pier 94, located along San Francisco's eastern waterfront, is a living testament to the city's commitment to urban conservation and an example of co-existence with rising sea levels. Formerly an industrial site, Pier 94 has undergone a remarkable transformation and today stands as an emblematic urban wetland, a shining beacon amidst the city's bustling concrete landscape.
This reclaimed natural sanctuary, spread over 13 acres, offers an enriching perspective on how urban spaces can support thriving ecosystems, even in the face of mounting environmental challenges. Partially immersed in rising sea levels, Pier 94 has not only adapted to the changing conditions but has also used them as a catalyst to boost its biodiversity. The brackish water from the bay provides an ideal environment for a variety of salt-tolerant plants and attracts an array of bird species, showcasing the site's resilient ecological dynamics.
Yet, beyond its ecological significance, Pier 94 stands as a symbol of hope and resilience. It challenges our conventional understanding of climate change, illustrating how coastal urban landscapes can accommodate and even benefit from rising sea levels. The dynamic ebb and flow of tides have shaped the habitat, fostering a unique space where marine and terrestrial life meet. The pier's ever-changing nature due to the tidal flux exemplifies the constant adaptation necessary in the face of climate change.
Pier 94 has become a vital part of San Francisco's green infrastructure, educating the community on the importance of wetland conservation in urban planning. This
Pier 94 at San Francisco, CA
Photo by Charles Benton (2020)
inspirational space encapsulates how cities can harness nature-based solutions to adapt to sea-level rise, fostering resilience and biodiversity in the heart of urban spaces. The story of Pier 94 in San Francisco illuminates a pathway towards harmonious cohabitation between urban development and nature, presenting a model worth replicating in coastal cities globally.
Beyond its rich biodiversity and educational function, Pier 94 also serves a vital role in providing natural buffers against extreme weather conditions and sea level rise. The indigenous plants, with their extensive root systems, help stabilize the shoreline, reducing erosion and mitigating flood risks. As such, Pier 94 is not just a natural habitat, but also an integral part of the city's climate adaptation strategy. It demonstrates how urban areas can leverage natural ecosystems to build resilience against the changing climate.
Furthermore, the successful restoration and conservation of Pier 94 have resulted in a welcomed addition to the city's green spaces, providing respite and recreation for residents and tourists alike. Here, amidst the tranquil sounds of lapping waves and chirping birds, people can escape the city's hustle and bustle. This urban oasis enhances the quality of life by offering opportunities for leisure activities like bird watching, nature photography, and peaceful strolls along the shoreline.
Pier 94 at San Francisco, CA
Photo by Leia Giambastiani (2022)
Oyster Landscape and Sea Level Rise
Wetlands and intertidal marshes formed by oyster landscape play a vital role in mitigating the impacts of sea level rise for several reasons.
They serve as a buffer zone between land and sea, acting as a natural protective barrier against storm surges and floods, which are expected to become more frequent and severe due to climate change. These ecosystems absorb the impact of such events, reducing the risk of erosion and damage to coastal communities; Wetlands are excellent at water storage. They have the ability to absorb excess water during high tides or storms, and then slowly release it back into the sea or groundwater systems. This dynamic capacity to hold
and gradually discharge water can help prevent or reduce the severity of flooding, a key concern as sea levels rise; Intertidal marshes, through their vegetation, contribute to the process of sediment accumulation. As tides flow in and out, they bring sediment which gets trapped among the marsh plants. Over time, this process builds up the level of the marsh surface, potentially enabling it to keep pace with rising sea levels; Both wetlands and intertidal marshes are vital carbon sinks, capturing and storing carbon dioxide, a key greenhouse gas contributing to global warming. By sequestering carbon, these habitats help mitigate the extent of climate change, indirectly influencing sea level rise; The rich biodiversity of these habitats can contribute to the overall resilience of coastal areas.
They support a variety of species, many of which play crucial roles in maintaining the health and function of these ecosystems under changing environmental conditions.
In sum, wetlands and intertidal marshes serve multiple crucial roles in protecting coastlines against rising sea levels. These natural systems, if conserved and allowed to thrive, could play a significant role in the global response to climate change and sea level rise.
Site Landscape Model
Site Landscape Model - Oyster Hatchery Pool
Large Amount of Abandoned Shipwrecks
San Francisco's waters, particularly near the Golden Gate, hold the remnants of hundreds of shipwrecks, a testament to its vibrant maritime history. Though exact numbers are difficult to determine, over 300 shipwrecks are estimated to exist in the region. The San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, among others, continues to document these underwater historical sites, each offering a unique story and archaeological insight into the city's rich, yet perilous, seafaring past.
Buried Shipwrecks in Embarcardero
Beneath the bustling Embarcadero district in San Francisco lie buried shipwrecks from the mid-19th century Gold Rush era. As crew members abandoned their ships to seek gold, these vessels were ultimately used as fill for city expansion, ending up buried under what is now Embarcadero's cityscape. Though hidden, these relics provide an intriguing glimpse into San Francisco's maritime and Gold Rush history.
Ver.01
The first vesion will be directly flip the boat remains, making the bottom structure as the roof.
Ver.02
The form of Ver.01 is too literal, so Ver.02 is deprived from the structure of ship hull integrated into a "box".
Ver.03
The form of Ver.03 is more closed to the shape of a ship, but with emphasizing of the structure on the facade.
Ver.04
The scale of Ver.03 is too huge and unhuman, so instead of keeping a entire ship body, Ver.04 is "chopping" a sailboat into smaller sections, and spread the pieces into the landscape.
Typical Sailboat Hull Structure Model
Typical Sailboat Hull Structure Model
Typical Sailboat Hull
Hull Structure Model
Massing Formation - Cluster
The logic of forming the massing of entire project is modularised duplication. Basially, three pieces of boat sections form a cluster, each will be 120 degree from each other. And the architecture is continously duplicated and grown in the unit of clusters.
The sections is connected with platforms with different elevations, as the public gathering spaces for visitors. And platforms is connected by pedstrians across the entire landscape allowing visitors to wander around and take a glimpse of the beauty of natural coastal shorelines.
Typical Cluster Model in Landscape
Typical Cluster Model in Landscape
Typical Cluster Model in Landscape
Typical Cluster Model in Landscape
Typical Cluster Model in Landscape
Interior Renderings - High Tides
When tides are higher, some of the buildings will be partially merged into seawater, giving customers an unique experience of habitating under sea level and an opportunity of having a glimpse of marine world.
With constant changing of tide levels, the water outside window is constantly changing, as a reminder of the existence of sea level rise to raise public consciousness of protecting the world we are living in.
Different levels of floors and backing floor edges allow spaces of double floor heights to
be the program of the entrances, welcoming counters, etc..
The both ends of sections are glazing curtain walls, as an entire reveal of views of the marine and landscape sceneries.
Oyster Reefs
The logic of forming the massing of entire project is modularised duplication. Basially, three pieces of boat sections form a cluster, each will be 120 degree from each other. And the architecture is continously duplicated and grown in the unit of clusters.
The sections is connected with platforms with different elevations, as the public gathering spaces for visitors. And platforms is connected by pedstrians across the entire landscape allowing visitors to wander around and take a glimpse of the beauty of natural coastal shorelines.
Growing My Own Oysters
The logic of forming the massing of entire project is modularised duplication. Basially, three pieces of boat sections form a cluster, each will be 120 degree from each other. And the architecture is continously duplicated and grown in the unit of clusters.
The sections is connected with platforms with different elevations, as the public gathering spaces for visitors. And platforms is connected by pedstrians across the entire landscape allowing visitors to wander around and take a glimpse of the beauty of natural coastal shorelines.
Find oysters with seeds existing on their shells.
Drill holes on oyster shells.
The holes should not harm the natural growth of oysters.
Attach the oysters to ropes, with metal plates to provide micro-nutritions.
Record the size of the seeds and oysters.
Divide oysters into 3 groups.
Step.01
Step.03
Step.05
Step.02
Step.04
Step.06
Step.07
Group A, B, C perspectively has 4 oysters, and will be deported to locations near Pier 94.
Location A - Aquatic Park
The location is to investigate the growth of oysters with contained salt water conditions. This location will be very similer to the project hatchery pool which has contained still water condition.
Location B - Hard Rock Bottom
The location is to investigate the growth of oysters with sea bottom with hard rocks and concrete piles.
Location C - Soft Sand Bottom
The location is to investigate the growth of oysters with sea bottom with soft sand and muds.
Oyster Shells
Oyster shells have a multitude of potential uses in construction, decoration, and various experimental applications. In construction, crushed oyster shells can be used as an ecofriendly alternative to gravel or concrete in landscaping and pathway creation, offering a distinctive aesthetic appeal. They can also be incorporated into the manufacture of bricks, improving their insulation properties and providing a unique, natural texture. For decoration, oyster shells are highly sought-after due to their unique shapes and the beautiful iridescent inner layer, known as mother-of-pearl. They can be used in jewelry making, mosaic designs, and various forms of shell art. They can also serve as organic elements in interior design or as garden decorations.
Bibliography
Delgado, J. P. (1990). "Shipwrecks of the Golden Gate". Western National Parks Association.
“San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park (U.S. National Park Service).” Nps.gov, 2016, www.nps.gov/safr/index.htm.
“Home.” San Francisco Bay Joint Venture, sfbayjv.org/. Accessed 19 May 2023.
“Home Page | SF Port.” Sfport.com, sfport.com/.
Gedan, K. B., Kirwan, M. L., Wolanski, E., Barbier, E. B., & Silliman, B. R. (2011). "The present and future role of coastal wetland vegetation in protecting shorelines: answering recent challenges to the paradigm". Climatic Change, 106(1), 7-29.
Coen, L.D., Brumbaugh, R.D., Bushek, D., Grizzle, R., Luckenbach, M.W., Posey, M.H., Powers, S.P. & Tolley, S.G. (2007). "Ecosystem services related to oyster restoration". Marine Ecology Progress Series, 341, 303-307.
Martinez, J., Paredes, C., & Sanchez, M. (2010). "Characterisation of the oyster shells and oyster shell slurry". Journal of Hazardous Materials, 173(1-3), 579-586.
2023.05.17
