A masterplan concept for the Ocean Beach coast that incorporates public amenities with flood protection strategies.
The new Ocean Beach Pier is designed with a lifespan of 75–100 years, but with sea levels projected to rise as much as six feet in the next century, significant portions of Ocean Beach could be underwater without intervention (as shown in red above)
A precedent for addressing such challenges is “The Dryline,” a 10-mile master plan developed by BIG Architects in response to Hurricane Sandy flooding much of lower Manhattan in 2012. This innovative project integrates flood control mechanisms with public amenities, such as berms to mitigate high surf and storm impacts, while enhancing community spaces.
Inspired by this approach, a new elevated boardwalk for Ocean Beach could serve as both a coastal resilience strategy and a vibrant public amenity.
The boardwalk would provide an accessible path for beach strolls, connect to the existing bike path along the channel, and incorporate features like:
Recumbent Curves: Integrated into the seawall to redirect wave forces, while creating skate parks and sheltered walkways.
Operable Flood Gates: Functional as barriers during storms, these gates could remain open for daily use, serving as outdoor galleries with cinematic 16:9 ocean-view frames.
Stepped Seating: Designed for volleyball and surfing spectators, doubling as sheltered vendor spaces to replace makeshift stands.
Integrated Community Spaces: Community gathering spaces, Surfboard storage, bathrooms, and vendor areas built into the wall, with skylights and ventilation incorporated into seating above.
Elevated Parking: Designed for surfers to observe wave conditions from their vehicles, offering convenience while reducing ground-level infrastructure.
Vendors at Veterans park