Areefa Anula

Studio led by Professor Julie Nelson

The Institute for the Study of Toxic Runoff

An educative building that is adaptable during flooding by using air-filled pontoons.

The Institute for Toxic Runoff is an education center located in the Queens Botanical Garden that educates the community about polluted storm water collecting from its dense urban surroundings in the lowest points of the garden through architectural resiliency to flooding. The design includes methods of horizontal and vertical buoyancy by using systems of air-filled pontoons and pile foundations that allow the structures to adapt to different conditions of increased water on site. Classrooms are designed to be a detachable “Satellite Labs” that is able to float freely and collect different types of toxicity in the garden.