In the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, Houston was compelled to reassess community preparedness. The 37-acre Alief Center, situated in one of the city’s most culturally diverse areas, addresses longstanding issues of disinvestment and environmental injustice while fostering physical and social resilience.
Elevated above the 100-year floodplain, the Center unites four city departments under one roof, creating a multifaceted community hub that functions as both a daily resource and disaster resilience center. The large, shaded porch serves as a flexible gathering space, embodying a “civic front porch” concept while maintaining street-level connectivity.
Forested basins and bioswales form a natural necklace to manage stormwater, while preserved woodlands and native plantings combat the urban heat island effect. The multi-generational community enjoys diverse recreational facilities, including playgrounds, sports courts, a skate park, and a public pool. Unique features enhance the site’s appeal, such as a wheelchair-accessible community garden, Houston’s first park climbing wall dubbed “Mount Alief,” and a network of trails connecting various “outdoor rooms” designed for workouts, events, and educational classes.
As cities worldwide confront climate change and social inequality, the Alief Center demonstrates how infrastructure investments can address multiple urban challenges. As the first key hub in Houston’s Resilience Master Plan, its performance in disaster scenarios and long-term community outcomes will inform future climate strategies across the city.
Litou Mountain Park
Within Guanlan Forest, an ecological heart of Shenzhen, Litou Mountain Park takes inspiration from the clothing design and production processes of Dalang Fashion Town. The town is a future gathering destination for fashion’s rising talents and a center for art. Blending nature and textiles, the project situates the park at the front of the fashion fronti...
Dubai Hills Boulevard and Public Realm
Envisioned as a garden oasis strategically situated where city meets desert, Dubai Hills will be a vibrant yet elegant mixed-use community for 21st-century living. The key public realm element of this massive 1,000-hectare development is a 5.6-kilometer urban boulevard lined with shops, residences, and offices along the district’s central spine. SWA/Balsley de...
Sonoma State Weill Lawn & Commons
Weill Lawn and Commons provide outdoor performance venues at Green Music Center, a world-class performing arts complex. The landscape architects prepared overall master planning and landscape architectural design. A simple, dramatic grading plan unifies project elements, directs circulation, and buffers concert venues from adjacent roadway traffic. Weill Lawn...
The Clearing: Sandy Hook Permanent Memorial
This project was designed to honor the 20 children and six educators who were slain on Dec 14, 2012 at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Designers Dan Affleck and Ben Waldo created a competition-winning design for a memorial space which is both open-ended and unifying in how it is experienced, honoring the full spectrum of emotions this tragedy evokes. They wanted...