Yona on the Beach

Yona on the Beach is a new vision for sustainable coastal living.

It is one of 25 entries selected for MoMA PS1’s EXPO 1: NEW YORK, an international competition and exhibition showcasing ideas for rebuilding the New York City neighborhood of Rockaway Beach post-Hurricane Sandy. Acceptance of the inherent and increasingly dynamic conditions of barrier islands is central to SYA’s scheme. Inspired by architect Yona Friedman’s utopian yet pragmatic floating cities, SYA’s concept raises an entire beach community above the 100-year flood level to minimize damage during storms, permitting the island to change naturally below. SYA’s 3 minute video can be viewed here on YouTube.

Location:
Rockaways, New York City

Program:
Raised structural platform, modular prefabricated living units, public walkways and spaces, commercial and public buildings

Project Status:
Unbuilt, Design Completed 2013

Select Recognition:

2014	“"Community Spirit," Big Ideas Issue,” by Editors:, Interior Design
2013	“What will we do when waters rise?,” by Moriarty, Jim:, Surfrider Foundation
2013	EXPO 1: New York, Rockaway Call for Ideas Exhibition, MoMA and MoMA PS1, VW Dome 2
2013	Rockaway Call for Ideas: 1 of 25 International Winners, MoMA PS1

“What will we do when the waters rise? Check out this video simulation by Stephen Yablon, an architect from NYC. It literally made me lean back in my seat. Wild concepts here….otherworldly one might say.”

Jim Moriarty, Chief Executive Officer, Surfrider Foundation

An elevated beach town

Prefabricated beach houses in a steel frame structure

Press

"Yona on the Beach" Selected for BIG IDEAS Issue