Kate Orff’s landscape studio, Scape, has clinched the prestigious Obel Award for 2023 with its groundbreaking Living Breakwaters project in New York City. Orff’s dedication to environmental stewardship and innovative design shines through in this transformative endeavor, which seamlessly integrates natural and artificial elements to offer a sustainable solution for coastal defense. Living Breakwaters, currently under construction along Staten Island’s coast, not only aims to mitigate flood risks but also to enhance marine ecology by attracting marine life, particularly oysters. These “ecologically enhanced” structures incorporate ridges and grooves to encourage wildlife habitation, forming an artificial reef spanning 223 square meters. As Scape prepares to receive the esteemed award at the Sydney Opera House, Living Breakwaters stands as a testament to Orff’s commitment to designing with nature amidst climate and biodiversity crises, inspiring hope and innovation in the realm of landscape architecture and environmental conservation. This forward-thinking, cost-effective approach sets a significant precedent for designing in harmony with nature to adapt to the evolving landscape.
