Projects
Advanced Studio: Planning for
Resilience in the Bronx River Delta
Fall 2023
The Delta Cities Coastal Resilience (DCCR) Advanced Studio is an interdisciplinary studio that addresses the complex challenges associated with the short, mid-, and long-term adaptation to and the mitigation of climate change in waterfront communities. Between August and December 2023, our team of 15 students and faculty developed a resilience strategy for the Bronx River and surrounding communities, offering creative solutions for immediate and long-term challenges.
As an example, I contributed to the development of a rough rooftop prioritization concept to guide installation of solar panels and green roofs in Hunts Point, pictured below:
Using historic creeks and wetlands data as a proxy to identify areas prone to nuisance flooding, we identified the lots and buildings that would most benefit from green roof installations—capturing rainwater before it hits the ground. We found that most of the sites at risk of nuisance flooding (in blue above) are used for industry and manufacturing, and that with the exception of the Hunts Point Cooperative Market, located in the southeast corner of the peninsula, the residential areas were at lower risk of flooding due to their elevation. In these ‘dry zones’ (in orange above), we encouraged our partners at the Bronx River Alliance to advocate for a community solar grid, which would generate revenue for Hunts Point residents and offer a more resilient energy supply during storm events.
While more precise analysis would be needed to determine infrastructure capacity and siting, our hope is that this concept will stimulate new conversations around resilience in Hunts Point and inspire the integration of context-responsive measures that not only protect against climate hazards but also create new, added benefits for the neighborhood.
Maps by Lucy Bruggeman
Fundamentals Studio:
NW Bronx Community Plan and
Kingsbridge Armory Retrofit
Fall 2022
In partnership with fellow students, faculty and community based organizations in the Northwest Bronx, I contributed to the development of a community plan centered around a contextual retrofit of the 100-year old Kingsbridge Armory.
This project involved participation in community meetings, existing conditions research, geographical analysis and ultimately a presentation of recommendations to the community. In addition to leading analysis of transportation infrastructure and safety in Bx CD7, I also served as the project manager for the nine-person studio, facilitating meetings with clients, community partners and outside experts and ensuring timely completion and distribution of all deliverables.
Guided by our existing conditions research, the student team produced spatial and programmatic recommendations ranging from improvements to greenway connectivity to special districting to protect against displacement, to NYC landmark-compliant infrastructure projects enabling the armory to host events with a capacity exceeding 15,000.
Photo by Lucy Bruggeman
Site plan drawing by Lucy Bruggeman
Maps made in collaboration by Lucy Bruggeman and Sydney Tiemann
Analysis of Low Impact
Development Zoning
Ordinance
Fall 2022
To better understand the the efficacy of land use regulations in driving low impact development (LID), I analyzed a 2018 ordinance adopted by the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District and City of Milwaukee requiring qualifying developments to capture the first 0.5 inch of rainfall through green infrastructure. My assessment explored the challenges and conditions preceding the ordinance, and evaluated the impact of this ordinance relative to LID efforts and green infrastructure implementation elsewhere in the U.S.
Research was conducted through a series of interviews with four stakeholders involved in the development and/or implementation of the ordinance; a benchmark analysis of similar stormwater regulations in other U.S. cities; cursory study of U.S. weather data; and a review of academic reports related to merits of green infrastructure and challenges and barriers to LID implementation.
Image sources: City of Milwaukee
Islington Community
Engagement Program
Fall 2021
As a freelance consultant for communications strategy firm Stand Agency in London, I worked with local government leaders in a prominent and diverse London borough to improve communications with local residents on sensitive issues. This ongoing public engagement program involved hosting regular, informal dialogues attended by the Council Leader and creating more pathways for residents to share feedback and access support networks throughout the borough. Our work ultimately opened the door to increased investment targeting mental healthcare services for marginalized members of the community.
Photo by Lucy Bruggeman
Driving EV Uptake at
Shell Recharge
Spring 2022
With a deep understanding of the transportation and energy sectors in the U.S. and UK, at Shell I developed and helped launch strategic B2C communications programs across the UK and Europe with an aim to (1) create more transparent and authentic interactions with Shell Recharge customers, and (2) provide reliable, educational resources for drivers interested in transitioning to electric mobility.
Image source: Shell Recharge
