Health Care Center, Bronx, NY

Behind a new Bronx health care center, we transformed the open space from a neglected back yard to a verdant meadow with rain gardens. The steep slopes created a cavernous space at the building that was creating problematic basement flooding. Together with the civil engineer, we resolved flooding issues with green infrastructure. We approached the design for this space as unmanicured beauty, or a balance of intentionality and spontaneousness. The site is defined by a large geological outcrop of local stone, as well as a significant amount of construction rubble. We embraced both as an opportunity to create a green infrastructure rubblescape. We divided the yard into three separate typologies: an upper meadow, a mid-level shrub shelf, and two rain gardens at the bottom of the slope. Our strategy was to stabilize the slope and retain water, while at the same time enhance the beautiful rock outcrop and invite pollinators back to the site with a palette of native plants that would thrive in poor soils. We embraced the native sassafras grove that was already present, and made space for adventitious natives like evening primrose to help stabilize the slope.

Civil and Geotechnical Engineering: GZA GeoEnvironmental Inc

Landscape Installation: E-Landscaping LLC