Switch house

Abstract

Hurricane Sandy brought the 2013 hurricane season to a destructive and disastrous close on 31st of October, claiming 145 lives in its wake. Thousands were forced from their homes as the super-storm made its way through New York City, with 20,000-40,000 New York residents still displaced ten days later. 2,000 homes were deemed uninhabitable, while 1.9 million residents were left without power.

This thesis examines how abandoned 20th century industrial infrastructure can provide temporary living situations in response to post-disaster emergencies. This design investigation argues that abandoned industrial heritage buildings do not need to be destroyed or left to decay; they can play a vital grass roots role in preparing for a sustainable future. This design investigation looks at abandoned industrial heritage buildings, and how architectural interventions strategically placed within such neglected buildings can enable their productive and sustainable reuse, while also teaching the community about the importance of planning for a sustainable future.