Blue Dunes envisions a network of offshore barrier islands as a transformative response to coastal resilience in the Northeast. Developed by WXY in partnership with WEST8 and a diverse team of experts, the project blends cutting-edge hydrodynamic modeling with a large-scale vision for regional storm surge protection. These dunes also offer potential thriving ecosystems that could safeguard communities while enriching regional biodiversity. Funded through the US government’s Rebuild by Design competition, this bold initiative highlights innovation at the intersection of design and science.

Restored coastal dunes merge ecology and resilience, safeguarding communities and habitats.
Superstorm Sandy exposed the vulnerabilities of the New York and New Jersey coastline. Coordinating a regional-scale solution proved difficult because the thousands of miles of coastline span with varied jurisdictions and priorities. The team needed to create an effective, scalable approach that could win support across municipalities and help reduce risks from extreme weather.
The vision for the Blue Dunes project combines a natural barrier against storm surges with offshore wind energy infrastructure. These islands, designed through rigorous hydrodynamic and economic modeling, would mitigate flood risks while capitalizing on wind energy. They are envisioned as biodiverse habitats, enhancing the region's ecological health while providing spaces for education and recreation. The design balances science and sustainability with a focus on measurable impact.

Aerial view of storm-damaged homes along the flooded New Jersey coastline.
WXY brought together an unprecedented range of voices, from marine biologists and urban planners to catastrophic bond analysts and surfers. Through colloquia and public discussions, the team ensured that the project reflected multidisciplinary insights and community input. Materials and studies were presented to government agencies and residents alike, helping to bridge the gaps between expert knowledge and public needs and creating a model for bringing technical expertise and civic dialogue together.

Manhattan’s skyline fades into darkness as a result of the power outage due to Superstorm Sandy.
Blue Dunes offers a compelling case for regional resilience, with the potential to save millions annually in flood insurance costs and protect communities. The concept reimagines infrastructure as a living system, blending protection with environmental stewardship.

The Blue Dunes Research Initiative links science, strategy, and funding to drive coastal resilience.

Proposed offshore islands provide a regional-scale solution for coastal resilience.

Experts and stakeholders, including founding principal Claire Weisz, collaborate in a multidisciplinary discussion on coastal resilience.

Proposed coastal barriers and flood maps illustrate strategies to mitigate storm surge risks.

A map of vulnerable coastlines underscores the need for large-scale resilience strategies.

A regional vulnerability map highlights areas of high risk.

The proposed nature island integrates salt marshes, wetlands, and habitats to enhance coastal biodiversity.

A rendering of Barnegat Bay shows sustainable fishing practices amid coastal scenery.

An aerial view of the proposed barrier islands.
Keywords
- Mobility
- Community
- Culture
- Accessibility
- Resiliency
- Sustainability
Type
- Waterfronts
- Strategic Plans
Client
- US Department of Housing and Urban Development
Collaborators
- West 8
- Alan Blumberg / Stevens Institute
- AIR
- Arcadis
- BJH Advisors
- Kate John-Alder / Rutgers University
- Yeju Choi / Nowhere Office
- William Morish
- Verisk