Resilient Multifamily Residential Design: Addressing Flood Hazards and Enhancing Quality of Life

Abstract

This project presents a resilient mixed-use residential design in Anacostia Park, fronting the Anacostia River: With climate change projections indicating a potential sea level rise of up to 5.25 feet by 2100, addressing flood hazards is critical. The design employs three primary adaptation methods: alleviation, embracing water, and elevation techniques.

Alleviation involves integrating functional spaces, such as recreational areas and green spaces, that absorb and manage water runoff. Embracing water focuses on fostering community engagement and emotional resilience by designing spaces where residents can experience different scenarios pre-flood and post-flood. Elevation techniques include the use of permeable surfaces, green gardens to control runoff, and raised structures to prevent water from entering the building.

The building features a two-story commercial base and nine stories of residential units, totaling 225 units. The first story includes retail stores, while the second story houses a food club, a food court, and a health club. The residential units above offer diverse living spaces to accommodate various needs.

This design aims to enhance the quality of life for residents and contribute to the sustainability of the Anacostia Park community. It serves as a model for future developments in flood-prone areas, demonstrating innovative solutions to environmental challenges.