INLET/ LET-IN: Reshaping the Coastline of Harlem River

Fordham Landing is a severely degraded, forgotten space along Hudson River—polluted, cut off by the highway, and without public access. This neglected site is a symbol of disconnection, both physically from the city and environmentally from the river it borders. Our vision is to reconnect this obsolete area with its surroundings, transforming it into a hub of ecological activity and public engagement. By reintroducing natural wetland ecosystems to this urban setting, we envision a landscape that heals itself and its community. Carving out inlets along the river, we aim to create dynamic water current conditions that retain tidewater and soil, fostering a series of terraced saltwater and freshwater marshlands. These marshlands not only enhance biodiversity but act as natural filtration systems, purifying the water and revitalizing environmental health. Each inlet will feature programs dedicated to environmental education and recreation, inviting the community to engage with and learn from the natural world in ways that are both meaningful and immersive.

This project is not just about restoring a single site; it represents a blueprint for future urban resilience. Our strategy is designed to be replicated along the Harlem River and beyond, creating a network of restored wetlands that will bolster the city’s defenses against flooding, hurricanes, and rising sea levels. Through forward-thinking, sustainable design, we aim to meet immediate urban needs, like public access and education, while contributing to the global fight against climate change. Fordham Landing will evolve from a neglected, polluted wasteland into a beacon of ecological richness, where both nature and the community can thrive in harmony.