San Francisco Seawall Resiliency

The approach prioritizes various segments of the old San Francisco Seawall based upon the greatest disaster risk and loss reduction, fastest response/recovery and strongest co-benefits to the agencies, the residents and businesses along the seawall. The proposal communicates the seawall resilience strategy and actions in a way that can be easily understood by our community. This cohesive initiative will deliver smart decisions based on a return on investment in the context of social equity, continuity of business, critical community functions and improving the environment.

Pier 22.5

A pinch point on the Embarcadero at risk of inundation, Pier 22.5 is positioned between Rincon Park and the Bay Bridge. Here, we tested a scenario to show how we could resolve seismic/flood/and SLR challenges by tactfully applying our Menu of Resilience. This scenario celebrates the historic seawall while at the same time creates more space for visitors, and implements resilient strategies. By taking advantage of seismic upgrades, not only are land side utilities are protected, but the surface is treated to accommodate a new dedicated two- way bike lane for recreation. The addition of and elevated walkway preserves the existing seawall and celebrates it by reflecting it with a mirrored surface, all while protecting the edge from flood events. Seating and barriers that combat SLR also educate people about the issue with infographics etched on the surface.

Fisherman’s Wharf

In order to demonstrate how our menu of resilience could be applied, we looked at a site near Fisherman’s Wharf at Pier 43. Currently a surface parking lot, the transformation shows a hypothetical scenario that could be implemented in three steps to address 1) seismic concerns 2) flooding and 3) SLR over time. By leveraging ecological infrastructure, the proposal creates new habitats, restores the historic shoreline with native planting, all while protecting the urban edge from seismic events, storm surges and sea level rise. At the same time, local business would benefit from foot traffic now realigned to the front doors of retail and a new multi-functional plaza space for street artists, venders, and tourist alike.

Location: San Francisco, California
Type: Resilience
Year: 2017
Client: Port of San Francisco
Status: Proposal
Team: AECOM