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.
Pazhou South Waterfront Park
This four-hectare urban waterfront park is a pilot project in the landscape renovation of Hungpuchong River, setting a high standard for riverfront public space in Guangzhou. The new public realm aims to connect the surrounding neighborhood and transportation hub to the river, bringing people back to the water’s edge.
The park activates the waterfront a...
ARTIC – Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center
ARTIC, the new 16-acre Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center in Southern California, forms a seamless gateway from Anaheim to all of Orange County, spurring economic growth and community redevelopment throughout the region. The landscape design establishes a unique and identifiable image for the ARTIC Mixed-Use District by complementing the site’s ...
Yorba Linda Library + Arts Center
A new public library and cultural arts center were artfully sited to create memorable outdoor spaces. Working in collaboration with Group 4 architects, SWA transformed an earlier parking-fronted concept into a plan that resulted in a landmark building and outdoor space composition along one of Yorba Linda’s main streets. The outdoor space – the Paseo – serves ...
Bunker Hill Steps
Originally designed by landscape architect Lawrence Halprin, downtown Los Angeles’ iconic Bunker Hill Steps connect neighborhoods over a series of grade changes. Under new ownership and with increased traffic from residents and office workers, the space was in need of new life – and more shade from the Southern California sun. SWA updated the planting palette ...