Jacqueline Yu Yr 5

The Flooding School for Amphibious Living harnesses the precarious liminality of flood-prone quarry sites along the Essex Colne Estuary. These quarry sites, carved into stepped terrain, serve as flood sponges and playscapes with strategically placed hydroelectric generators — the project experiments with adaptability to enable living with water as a response to an increasingly changeable environment. Inhabitants develop a matrix of floating and anchored ad-hoc structures, including habitable vessels, gardens, water reservoirs and filtration systems, solar panels, portal cranes, etc.

Dykes and embankments alone are insufficient in addressing the increasing threat of rising sea levels
in flood-prone areas. The Thames Barrier, designed
to protect London from a 1:1000-year flood, requires substantial investments and large-scale infrastructure. The costs associated with investing in and maintaining such high-level protection often outweigh the benefits. Inspired by British architect Cedric Price’s approach, ad-hoc infrastructures in this project offer a unique perspective emphasising a measure of magic and flexibility in infrastructure design. The systemic strategy is significant in our current era, allowing for adaptive and responsive solutions to evolving environmental conditions. Infrastructure must regain visibility and importance to mitigate the destructive impacts of floods effectively.

Back to Super-Wicked 2024