The BIG U

“The BIG U is a protective system around Manhattan that shields the city from floods and storm surges while providing social and environmental benefits to the community.”

The BIG U is presented as a 10-mile climate‑resilience system designed to protect Lower Manhattan from coastal flooding, sea‑level rise, and extreme weather. The project is divided into three compartments, each able to operate independently during a storm. The design emphasizes community‑driven planning, integrating flood protection with parks, recreation spaces, ecological restoration, and improved waterfront access. The website highlights the project’s origins in the Rebuild by Design competition after Hurricane Sandy and frames it as a model for how cities can combine infrastructure, public space, and climate adaptation.