1. Bogue Rd
Bogue Rd
< LUCCEA
BogueRd
Barneet Rd
Alice Elderm
ire Dr
Barnett River
Montego Bay River
South Gully
North Gully
M
ontego
BayRiver
BarnettRiver
Alice Eldermire Dr
HowardCookeHwy
Alice Eldermire Dr
HowardCookeHwy
TheQueensDr
SunsetBlvd
DOWNTOWN MONTEGO BAY
CANTERBURY
WESTGATE
THE LAGOONS
WARRET PARK
NEW MARKET
RED HILLS
MIRANDA HILL
BOGUEVILLAGE
BOGUE HEIGHTS
READING
Airp
ort>
CATHERINE HALL
TORBAY
MONTEGO BAY
OILTERMINAL
MONTEGO BAY
INDUSTRIAL
ZONE
Bogue Spring River
Retirement River
JamaicaRailway
JamaicaRailway
JamaicaRailway
CRUISE PORT
LOOK OUT
FISHING PIER
CRUISE PORT
SOCIAL MARINA
MONTEGO BAY MARINE PROTECTED AREA OFFICE
AQUARIUM PLAZA
CORAL DETOUR
SHIPPING LANE
RECREATIONAL BOATING LANE
RIVER BAY FISHING VILLAGE (ELEVATED
BOAT LAUNCH
CATHRINE HALL SOCCER FILED
PUBLIC BEACH
GO CARTS
BOB MARLEY CENTER
BOB MARLEY CENTER
OUTDOOR AMPHITHEATER
POLICE STATION
PUBLIC PARK
PICNIC AND WATER PLAY AREA
WATER TAXI STATION
BARNETT RIVER DELTA BOARDWALK
WATER FOWL HABITAT OBSERVATION
BIRD BLIND
WETLAND NATURE WALK
CANOPY TOURS
OVER WINTER BIRD NESTING
SEA BIRD NESTING AND ROOSTING
BIOLOGICAL RETENTION
PLAYGROUND AND WATER PLAY AREA
ENGINEERED WETLAND TREATMENT PONDS
AQUACULTURE AND SUSTAINABILITY SHOWCASE
HUMPBACKS BAY SOUNDSCAPE
LAZY RIVER
NATURAL POOLS
CORAL SCULPTURE GARDEN
LOOK OUT PIER
LIFE GUARD STAND
SAV RESTORATION
NO ANCHOR FLOATING DOCK
SCUBA DIVING
SNORKELING
FLOATING CLASSROOM
ECO-TOURISM LAUNCH
CRICKET PITCH
SEA WATER GREEN HOUSES AND DEMONSTRATION CENTER
BIOLOGICAL STORMWATER RETENTION
PORT AUTHORITY
PORT VISITORS CENTER
FREE PORT SHOPPING CENTER
PUBLIC TRANSIT STATION
NATURE CENTER
MANGROVE KAYAK TRAILS
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the irie coast
m o n t e g o b ay, s t . j a m e s p a r i s h j a m a i c a
WAVES
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 CM
MARINE ZONE INTERTIDAL ZONE RIPARIAN ZONE UPLAND ZONE
foragers
tree nuts
slopes
tree
roots
osprey
pelican
sea gullSAV
POLLINATION
CORAL REEF
PROPIGATION
marine fishCORAL REEF
invertebrates
juvenile
waterfowl
jewfish+ snapper
WETLAND
REFORESTATION
MARITIME FOREST
EXPANSION
MAGROVE FOREST
PROPIGATION
LOBSTER
BLUEFISH
BUTTERFISH
SCUP
BLACK SEA BASS
TAUTOG
PREYSON
M
ARINE FISH
>
NESTS IN THE TREE CANOPY >
STABALIZESGR
OUND
>
HIDESINTHEVEGITATION>
FEEDSONMARINEHABITAT
>
Montego Bay is one of the Caribbean’s leading tourist destinations and, as a result, has one of
the most threatened near-shore coral reef ecosystems in the region. Natural and anthropogenic
forces over many years have combined to inflict a deadly blow. Water pollution, in the form of
nutrient enrichment from municipal raw sewage discharges, household waste, associated leaching,
and sedimentation, has been especially devastating to the near-shore coral reef ecosystem. Oil
pollution and runoff of agricultural fertilizers and pesticides continually add to the problems.
Once luxurious near-shore coral reefs are now smothered by macrophytic algae and struggling
for survival. In Montego Bay, significant changes in land use and hydrology have been occurring for
the past 500 years. Several events in the coastal ecosystem most likely had the largest impacts on
marine communities:
+ The development of the Freeport and Seawind Island resort area by the filling in of mangrove
forests and islands in 1967 and the reclamation of the entire waterfront area in the 1970s;
+ The change in drainage patterns and nutrient loading of coastal rivers and estuaries associated
with a growing human population and inadequate infrastructure;
+ The bulkheading of coastlines, loss of coastal vegetation, and changes in the quality of storm-
water runoff;
+ Natural impacts such as Hurricane Allen in 1980, Hurricane Gilbert in 1988 and the sea urchin
Diadema antillarum die-off in 1983-84.
The 800 ACRE MASTER PLAN aims to reduce Montego Bay’s risk of climate change related
hazards by implementing a symbiotic layered system of green and blue infrastructure. The Blue
Belts and Coastal Ribbon work together to increase Montego Bay’s coastal resiliency to climate
change, preserve the cities existing program, context and contribute to the city’s cultural identity
of place.
Along with the protective aspects of the infrastructure, Montego Bay further benefits through the
introduction of an intricate network of public spaces that serve as new cultural hubs of activity.
The design seeks to further connect humans to nature by providing a variety of opportunities
for humans to engage with Montego Bay’s unique ecologies.The design functions ecologically as a
connection, linking the estuary to the rainforest.
The design program targets the five predominate user groups of the city: single day tourist,
over-night tourist, locals, youth, elderly and residents of adjacent neighborhoods. The program
focuses more specifically on interactions between humans and nature, while empowering future
generations by providing local schools with opportunities to take the classroom outside. However,
the educational aspects of the design do not segregate and are designed to attract, engage, and
educate locals and tourist of all ages who depend upon the marine environment. Demonstrative
facilities throughout the Coastal Ribbon introduce alternative closed loop systems of food
production and ultimately increase the city’s marine stewardship.
The proposal rests on several key assumptions. The first is that people enjoy living by the ocean
and they will continue to do so. The second is that humanity has historically exploited the ocean
for resources, and will continue to do. The third is that it is possible to redirect both of these
energies away from damaging levels of disturbance and toward a more sustainable future even in
the face of rising water.
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DOWNTOWN
MONTEGO BAY
CANTERBURY
WESTGATE
WARRET PARK
NEW MARKET
RED HILLS
MIRANDA HILL
BOGUEVILLAGE
BOGUE HEIGHTS
READING
CATHERINE HALL
TORBAY
CATHERINE HALL
MONTEGO BAY FREEZONE
MONTEGO BAY
OILTERMINAL
INDUSTRIAL
ZONE
WATER SPORTS •
FISHING PIER • • RESORT
RESORT • • RESORT
• RESORT
RESORT •
RESORT •
• RESORT
SEA TURTLE NESTING BEACH •
SEA TURTLE NESTING BEACH •
EXISTING PUBLIC PARK •
MARGARITAVILLE •
AQUA SOL THEME-PARK •
EXISTING REEF INFRASTRUCTURE • • RESORT
• RESORT
• TOURIST DESTINATION
• DINNING
• DINNING
• DINNING
• SHOPPING
• DINNING
DINNING •
• DINNING
SHOPPING •
• RESORT
• SHOPPING
• SHOPPING
• HOSTPITAL
PUBLIC BEACH •
WATER SPORTS •
PUBLIC PARK •
EXISTING REEF INFRASTRUCTURE •
EXISTING REEF INFRASTRUCTURE •
EXISTING REEF INFRASTRUCTURE •
EXISTING REEF INFRASTRUCTURE •
EXISTING REEF INFRASTRUCTURE •
EXISTING REEF INFRASTRUCTURE •
• RESORT
• GO CARTS
PUBLIC BEACH •
EVENT SPACE •
DUMP UP BEACH •
• DREDGED FUNNEL •
• HARBOUR STREET CRAFT MARKET
TAX OFFICE •
GOVERNMENT BUILDING •
MONTEGO BAY MPA’S OFFICE •
COMMERCIAL CRUISE PORT •
SOCIAL MARINA •
DOCK SIDE DINNING •
BOAT LAUNCH •
BOAT LAUNCH •
SHIPPING LANE •
SHIPPING LANE •
• LIBRARY
SAM SHARPE SQUARE •
HIP STRIP •
• POLICE STATION
• TRANSIT CENTRE
• MONTEGO BAY TRAIN STATION
• ROSE HALL GREAT HOUSE
JARRET PARK •
ST. JAMES •
HIGH SCHOOL
• FIRE STATION
MANGROVES •
WETLANDS •
WETLANDS •
SOUTH GULLY RIVER DELTA •
FISHING PIER •
RIVER BAY FISHING VILLAGE •
SPORT FIELDS •
MANGROVES •
MONTEGO BAY RIVER DELTA •
• BARNETT RIVER DELTA
RELIGIOUS INSTITUTION •
• CORINALDI AVENUE
PRIMARY SCHOOL
CATHERIN HALL PRIMARY SCHOOL •
• RELIGIOUS INSTITUTION
• RELIGIOUS INSTITUTION
• GROCERY
• RELIGIOUS INSTITUTION
• RELIGIOUS INSTITUTION
SEA TURTLE NESTING BEACH •
• EVENT SPACE
PLANNED HARBOUR DEVELOPMENT •
EXISTING REEF PASS •
EXISTING REEF PASS •
• LOOK OUT
LOOK OUT •
LOOK OUT •
• TOURIST ATTRATION
• MONTEGO
BAY
INDUSTRIAL
PORT
• OVER WINTER BIRD NESTING SITE
• WATER FOWL NESTING AND ROOSTING
PLANNED RESORT DEVELOPMENT •
PLANNED RESORT DEVELOPMENT •
• OUTDOOR AMPHITHEATRE
BOB MARLEY CENTRE•
MANGROVES •
CARIBBEAN INSTITUTE •
OF TECHNOLOGY
MANGROVES •
MANGROVES •
YACHT CLUB •
• MEGA MART
• POLICE STATION
• MARGARITAVILLE
•MONTEGO BAY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
• DEMO VACANT LOT
• DEMO VACANT LOT
• CATHERINE HALL SPORTS COMPLEX
• MARINE ESTUARY •
MARINE CAY •
MARINE CAY •
RESORT •
CRUISE PORT •
PORT AUTHORITY •
CRUISE SHORE EXCURSIONS JAMAICA •
PLANNED PRIVATE COMMUNITY •
• FREE PORT SHOPPING FACILITY
SEA TURTLE NESTING BEACH •
SEA TURTLE NESTING BEACH •
SEA TURTLE NESTING BEACH •
RESORT •
RESORT •
RESORT •
RESORT •RESORT •
RESORT •
RESORT •
RESORT •
DIVING ATTRACTION •
RESORT •
RESORT •
RESORT •
RESORT •
EXISTING PATCH REEF •
EXISTING PATCH REEF •
EXISTING PATCH REEF •
EXISTING PATCH REEF •
THE LAGOONS PRIVATE COMMUNITY •
OVER WINTER BIRD NESTING SITE •
WATER FOWL NESTING AND ROOSTING •
MANGROVE FOREST •
FORESTED WETLAND •
• BOGUE VILLAGE CITY CENTRE
• LOCAL RETAIL DESTINATION
TOURIST RETAIL COMPLEX
• BOGUE VILLAGE
CEMETERY
• HERBERT MORRIS HIGH SCHOOL
LOCAL RETAIL •
FAIRVIEW SHOPPING CENTRE•
• TOURIST RETAIL
BOGUE VILLAGE W.T.P •
BOGUE VILLAGE W.T.F •
MARINE CAY •
MARINE CAY •
SEA TURTLE NESTING BEACH •SEA GRASS BED •
SEA GRASS BED •
S.A.V AND PATCH REEFS •
S.A.V AND PATCH REEFS •
S.A.V AND PATCH REEFS •
TIDAL FLATS •
SALT MARSH •
WETLANDS •
WETLANDS •
WETLANDS •
WETLANDS •
ROCKY BULKHEAD SHORE •
ROCKY BULKHEAD SHORE •
EXISTING OPEN SPACE •
EXISTING BERM •
• MANGROVE FOREST
• FORESTED WETLAND
• MANGROVE FOREST
MANGROVE FOREST •
RIVER DELTA •
MARITIME FOREST/ CANOPY •
• MARITIME FOREST/ CANOPY
• MARITIME FOREST/ CANOPY
RED STRIPE BREWERY •
TOURIST DESTINATION •
SHOPPING •
MVP STEAK HOUSE •
RELIGIOUS INSTITUTION •
RELIGIOUS INSTITUTION •
RELIGIOUS INSTITUTION •
RELIGIOUS INSTITUTION •
GOVERNMENT BUILDING •
RESORT •
• TAXI STAND
• DINNING
• DINNING
• DINNING
• DINNING
• SHOPPING
• TOURIST ATTRACTION
MARINE PLAYGROUND FISHERY DEMONSTRATION PIER48 758
PUBLIC BEACH OUTDOOR CLASS ROOMTHE CORAL EXPLORER42 692
DUMP UP BEACH BLUE BELTS RESEARCH CENTER ECO-CAMPUS50 7710
WATER SPORTS CENTER WILDLIFE OBSERVATIONWETLAND RESTORATION44 714
12
PUBLIC BEACH KAYAK LAUNCHADVENTURE CENTER46 736
15
1
PUBLIC PLAZA CORAL FARM RECREATIONAL SOCCER FIELD49 769
AQUA SOL THEME PARK WETLANDS TRAILMARINE CAY BOARDWALK43 703
ART WALK ZIP LINEECO-CENTER51 7811
MARGARIATVILLE ECO-FARM AND STABLESCORAL FARM45 725
14
PROTECTED CALM WATERMONTEGO BAY REGGAE FESTIVAL LOCATION AMPHIBIOUS EQUINE TRAILS47 747
16
4000 ft1000ft500 ft0
PROJECT OBJECTIVES
PRESERVE: ASSETS AND ACTIVITIES
REDUCE: COSTS OF DEFENSE AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE
ENHANCE: AMENITIES FOR COMMUNITY
SUSTAIN: A BASIN FOR GROWTH
MASTER PLAN GOALS
1. PLAN PRIMARY GOALS:
2. PROMOTEA BOLD FLEXIBLEAND RESILIENT LANDSCAPE
FRAMEWORK.
3. CREATE A VIBRANT WATERFRONT OF DISTINCTIVE
ACTIVITIES AND UNIQUE WATER-ORIENTED
PROGRAMMING.
4. BUILD A CONNECTIVE SYSTEM TO UNIFY THE PARK.
5. CULTIVATE A RICH MOSAIC OF TERRESTRIAL AND
AQUATIC LIFE THAT BECOMES THE CENTER OF A
CONTINUOUS REGIONAL GREENWAY.
6. CREATE A REALISTIC AND SUSTAINABLE LANDSCAPE.
7. PRESERVE AND AMPLIFY THE REMARKABLY UNIQUE
SETTINGS.
OCEAN
EXPOSED
FRINGING
REEFS
DIFFUSE
SUB-TIDALFRINGING
AND
PATCH
REEFS
W
ETLAND
RESTORATION
SEAW
ALLTYPOLOGIES
DEFENDDEPLOYABLEFLOODW
ALLS
ROCKYSHORE
BULKHEADS
MARITIMEFOREST
RESTORATION
DELAY
COASTALRIBBON/
TERRACED
ECOLOGIES
DETAIN
ENGINEERED
W
ETLANDS
DISCHARGE
BIO-SW
ALES
BIOLOGICAL
DETENTION
BASINS
DEEPOCEAN
OUTFALL
W
ATERSHED
SLIPSE
CISTERNS
OVERFLOW
PUMPINGSTATION
SYSTEMATIC RESILIENCY
The strategy lays framework to grow beyond the proposed site boundaries. Suggesting
the city develop a continuous the proposal has potential and is recommended to go
beyond proposed site boundaries.
SUPPO
RTING
PRO
VISIONING
REG
U
LATINGCULTUR
AL
MARINE
ECOSYSTEM
SERVICES
CleanWater
Fish
W
ood
Pollination
Cool
Temperatures
ControlFloodingPurify W
ater
StoreCarbon
CleanAir
SoilFormation
Education
Food
Recreation
Aesthetic
Stewardship
Habitat
Biodiversity
Photosynthesis
SUPPO
RTING
PRO
VISIONING
REG
U
LATINGCULTUR
AL
MARINE
ECOSYSTEM
SERVICES
CleanWater
Fish
W
ood
Pollination
Cool
Temperatures
ControlFloodingPurify W
ater
StoreCarbon
CleanAir
SoilFormation
Education
Food
Recreation
Aesthetic
Stewardship
Habitat
Biodiversity
Photosynthesis
THE CORAL DETOUR
THE
CORAL
STRIP
THREE
LITTLE
BIRDS
PARKTHE
SEASCAPE
GATEWAY
THE
HUMPBACKS
BAY
BOGUE VILLAGE
LAGOON
CANOPY AND MARITIME RE-FORESTATION
Canopy cover is utilized to increase the friction in the
water cycle. Mitigating sedimentation and promoting
biodiversity.
SPECIES INTER-RELATIONSHIPS
Each plant and animal species is dependent on a wide
array of other species for survival. The principle
is utilized to promote reef and wetland habitat
restoration simultaneously.
MARINE MASTER PLAN
DISTINCT REGIONS OF THE PLAN
A CONTINUOUS BLUEAND GREEN NETWORK
Irie Coast proposal for Montego Bay is a ecological
“connector”; linking the estuary to the rain forest and
urban areas to the marine environment.
PRESERVING AND DIVERSIFYING THE PROGRAM
This diagram identifies the existing and proposed program of the coast and proposed
opportunities. All of Montego Bay’s existing diversity of culturally rich programing has been
refreshed and preserved.
DUNES AND BERMS
CONSTRUCTED REEFS
TIDAL FLATS
DREDGE WETLANDS
FRICTION FORESTS
ABSORPTIVE EDGES
HABITAT BREAKWATERS
MITIGATE
RESTORE PARTNERADAPT
ENHANCEHabitat Breakwater
Borrow pit filling
Constructed reef
lobster reef
High ground
development
Storm water
storage
Floodable
first floor
Urban Berm
Tidal pool
Dredge wetland
SITE SECTION
The transect depicts how Montego Bay can implement a layered system of symbiotic green and blue
infrastructures to stave off climate change. The design is projective and therefore ever evolving and ever
changing its form. Areas of interest have been defined and highlighted in transect and perspective renderings
to further describe the sense of places that is being created and programmatic opportunities of engagement
for various users.
These replicapcable innovations can help guide other Caribbean coastal cities towards a more sustainable
future as well.
A HOLISTIC APPROACH
DIFFUSE- ECOLOGICAL INFRASTRUCTURE FOR RISK REDUCTION
DEFEND- PROGRAMMED HARD AND SOFT INFRASTRUCTURE FOR COASTAL DEFENSE
DELAY- URBAN INFRASTRUCTURE TO SLOW RAINWATER RUNOFF]
DETAIN- A CIRCUIT OF INTERCONNECTED GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE TO STORE AND DIRECT EXCESS WATER
DISCHARGE- ENGINEERED WETLAND WATER FILTRATION
O r g a n i z i n g p r i n c i p l e s
The design is organized by three primary organizing systems: program, habitat, and circulation
Mean sea level + SLR
Surge water level
Mean sea level
WAVE ACTION1/2 MILE
OFFSHORE REEF
Mean sea level + SLR
Surge water level
Mean sea level
WAVE ACTION
1/2 MILE TO SHORELINE
BREAKWATERS WITH ENHANCED EDGES ECONCRETE UNITS
Coral Reef Restoration
Coral Reef restoration Fishing grounds
Tidal flats Econcrete breakwaterArmor rockFilter rock
Geotube core with dredge fill/ sandRock toe/ scour apron
Econcrete to support marine
biological assemblages such
as oysters, mussels, sponges
and tube worms
Quarry stone substrate
Embedded constructed tidepools
Recycled SIMS glass
Additional habitat
Rock toe/ scour apronSubtidal constructed reefECONcrete armor units ECONcrete armor units
Mean sea level + SLR
Surge water level
Mean sea level
WAVE ACTION1/2 MILE
OFFSHORE REEF
Mean sea level + SLR
Surge water level
Mean sea level
WAVE ACTION
1/2 MILE TO SHORELINE
BREAKWATERS WITH ENHANCED EDGES ECONCRETE UNITS
Coral Reef Restoration
Coral Reef restoration Fishing grounds
Tidal flats Econcrete breakwaterArmor rockFilter rock
Geotube core with dredge fill/ sandRock toe/ scour apron
Econcrete to support marine
biological assemblages such
as oysters, mussels, sponges
and tube worms
Quarry stone substrate
Embedded constructed tidepools
Recycled SIMS glass
Additional habitat
Rock toe/ scour apronSubtidal constructed reefECONcrete armor units ECONcrete armor units
Mean sea level + SLR
Surge water level
Mean sea level
WAVE ACTION1/2 MILE
OFFSHORE REEF
Mean sea level + SLR
Surge water level
Mean sea level
WAVE ACTION
1/2 MILE TO SHORELINE
BREAKWATERS WITH ENHANCED EDGES ECONCRETE UNITS
Coral Reef Restoration
Coral Reef restoration Fishing grounds
Tidal flats Econcrete breakwaterArmor rockFilter rock
Geotube core with dredge fill/ sandRock toe/ scour apron
Econcrete to support marine
biological assemblages such
as oysters, mussels, sponges
and tube worms
Quarry stone substrate
Embedded constructed tidepools
Recycled SIMS glass
Additional habitat
Rock toe/ scour apronSubtidal constructed reefECONcrete armor units ECONcrete armor units
Mean sea level + SLR
Surge water level
Mean sea level
WAVE ACTION1/2 MILE
OFFSHORE REEF
Mean sea level + SLR
Surge water level
Mean sea level
WAVE ACTION
1/2 MILE TO SHORELINE
BREAKWATERS WITH ENHANCED EDGES ECONCRETE UNITS
Coral Reef Restoration
Coral Reef restoration Fishing grounds
Tidal flats Econcrete breakwaterArmor rockFilter rock
Geotube core with dredge fill/ sandRock toe/ scour apron
Econcrete to support marine
biological assemblages such
as oysters, mussels, sponges
and tube worms
Quarry stone substrate
Embedded constructed tidepools
Recycled SIMS glass
Additional habitat
Rock toe/ scour apronSubtidal constructed reefECONcrete armor units ECONcrete armor units
97%
Avg. Total
Wave Energy Reduction
84%
Avg Total
Wave Height
Reduction
Mean sea level + SLR
Surge water level
Mean sea level
Friction forest
Wetland restoration
Thin dredge sediment
application
Restored SAV beds Dredge hole filling
Inhabitable habitat ledges
Constructed abrasion tables
Living shorelines Reef restoration and oyster gardening
New wetland dredge building
Intracoastal waterway
Recreational small channel
Small dredge technology
Mean sea level + SLR
Surge water level
Mean sea level
Friction forest
Wetland restoration
Thin dredge sediment
application
Restored SAV beds Dredge hole filling
Inhabitable habitat ledges
Constructed abrasion tables
Living shorelines Reef restoration and oyster gardening
New wetland dredge building
Intracoastal waterway
Recreational small channel
Small dredge technology
40'-0"
49'-0"120'-0" 56'-0"30'-0"
25'-0"
9'-0"
WATER BATTERY BERMNEW MUSEUM
EXISTING BULKHEAD
CLAY CAP
COMPACTED
EMBANKMENT
BATTERY PARK
UNDERPASS
CONCRETE SLAB
PIER FOUNDATION
+4’ FEMA 2050 50 YEAR FLOOD PLAN
+9’ FOOT SPLASH ALLOWANCE
+8’ FEMA 2050 100 YEAR FLOODPLAN
+5’ SANDY
-6’ SEA LEVEL
WETLAND RESTORATION
Coastal wetlands can absorb surge waters and reduce wave impacts within coastal communities. Severely
reduced from their historic footprint, these valuable ecologies are threatened by coastal development,
erosion, and sea level rise inundation. Sediment replacement and nourishment strategies are to monitored
and continually adapted over time to maintain and expand the protective ecological infrastructure. Dredge
material accumulated over time and from the development of the Coral Detour is proposed to in-fill the
foundation of wetlands being created and nourishment of existing wetlands.
COASTAL RIBBON / TERRACED ECOLOGIES
Rocky bulkhead shores are a common strategy of coastal defense throughout the Caribbean, in
Montego Bay the majority of the region’s seawall and bulkhead infrastructures are ecologically
damaging, limiting to human and marine ecological interaction, and/or were destroyed or
structurally impaired within the last three years of tropical storms. The coastal ribbon is
a absorptive terraced edge and designed to mimic the native coastal ecologies of the area.
The predominate ecologies of the coastal ribbon include but are not limited to the following:
lagoons, mangrove forests, marine cays, barrier islands, dunes, forested wetlands, saltwater
marshes, maritime forests, terraced edges, ocean exposed fringing reefs, and sub tidal patch
reefs.
In the urban context even small-expansions of the typical vertical bulkhead rocky shores can
provide opportunities to diversify and increase the amount and accuracy of the city’s urban
ecology/ These absorptive edges have been proven to biologically grow structural strength
with time. Along with safeguarding the coast the systematic layering of ecologies further
provides Montego Bay with an array of real visceral experiences and opportunities to engage
with the marine environment.
OCEAN EXPOSED FRINGING REEFS
The ocean exposed fringing reefs are designed to function as breakwater infrastructure and to mimic the
natural conditions local reefs thrive in. The reefs protect the shoreline by reducing erosion and coastal
community’s risk of climate change by decreasing wave energy by an average of 97%.Artificially re-establishing
the reef crest (breakwater), or shallowest part of the reef where the waves break first, dissipates 86% of wave
energy on its own.
The infrastructure also shapes the coral detour; a revolutionary proposed non-linear commercial shipping
channel.This intervention is founded on the thought that we do not allow shipping industries to put highways
through historic districts for convenience, so why do we allow them to do as they please out to sea? Montego
Bay’s present shipping channel is a major dredging operation that has resulted in the removal of historic reef
infrastructure and created a funnel for storm surges to impact the city.
The Coral Detour ensures the protection of the marine infrastructure by detailing where ships are allowed
to anchor and approach the shore. The new approach narrows and kinks the existing approach around re-
established ocean exposed fringing reefs to allow the entire coast to benefit from reef protection. The
Coral Detour has been located on the historic reef footprint and in locations were present conditions were
identified as advantageous.
TIDAL PATCH REEFS
The sub tidal patch reefs are designed to mimic natural conditions and create a
dynamic that encourages shoreline stabilization.This enables the Blue Belts to avoid
further damaging existing critical habitats because the natural coastal dynamics can
continue occur. Which enables the reefs to serve a restorative function as well.
The coral farm is proposed grouping of path reefs where scientist can begin the
initial propitiate the infrastructure being prosed. Further research and investigation
into more resilient species of coral occurs here as well. The sub tidal patch reefs of
the design work also as the scaffolding of the worlds first underwater contemporary
coral art park.
THE CORAL EXPLORER
The Coral Explorer allows for visitors to visually connect with the marine environment.
the building sits one piers that have a biological concrete foundation that in time will
grow reefs. An artificial reef and the coral farms each sit in view of the bottom portal of
the structure. Guest can ascend the structure as well to over the estuary from a elevated
vantage point. The coral explorer also hosts a nature center where visitors can engage in
marine conservation and stewardship focused programs including but not limited to: guided
walking tours, large events, group clean up efforts, lectures and demonstrations, tours and
interact with the staff.
WAVES
ATLANTIC STURGEON
BOTTOM FEEDERS. SPAWN IN
HUDSON, SPEND MOST OF LIFE IN
OCEAN
LOBSTER
BLUEFISH
BUTTERFISH
SCUP
BLACK SEA BASS
TAUTOG
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 CM
Econcrete blocks
Econcrete blocks
Habitat stone
Constructed tide pool
Filter layer
WAVE ACTION
+11’ NAVD88
NAVD88
NAVD88
MLLW
MEAN LOW LOW WATER LEVEL
WAVE ACTION
Fishing grounds
Cover layer
16’ CREST 1/4 MILE TO SHORELINE
1/4 MILE TO SHORELINE
Armor rock
WAVES
ATLANTIC STURGEON
BOTTOM FEEDERS. SPAWN IN
HUDSON, SPEND MOST OF LIFE IN
OCEAN
LOBSTER
BLUEFISH
BUTTERFISH
SCUP
BLACK SEA BASS
TAUTOG
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 CM
Econcrete blocks
Econcrete blocks
Habitat stone
Constructed tide pool
Filter layer
WAVE ACTION
+11’ NAVD88
NAVD88
NAVD88
MLLW
MEAN LOW LOW WATER LEVEL
WAVE ACTION
Fishing grounds
Cover layer
16’ CREST 1/4 MILE TO SHORELINE
1/4 MILE TO SHORELINE
Armor rock
WAVES
ATLANTIC STURGEON
BOTTOM FEEDERS. SPAWN IN
HUDSON, SPEND MOST OF LIFE IN
OCEAN
LOBSTER
BLUEFISH
BUTTERFISH
SCUP
BLACK SEA BASS
TAUTOG
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 CM
Econcrete blocks
Econcrete blocks
Habitat stone
Constructed tide pool
Filter layer
WAVE ACTION
+11’ NAVD88
NAVD88
NAVD88
MLLW
MEAN LOW LOW WATER LEVEL
WAVE ACTION
Fishing grounds
Cover layer
16’ CREST 1/4 MILE TO SHORELINE
1/4 MILE TO SHORELINE
Armor rock
WAVES
ATLANTIC STURGEON
BOTTOM FEEDERS. SPAWN IN
HUDSON, SPEND MOST OF LIFE IN
OCEAN
LOBSTER
BLUEFISH
BUTTERFISH
SCUP
BLACK SEA BASS
TAUTOG
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 CM
Econcrete blocks
Econcrete blocks
Habitat stone
Constructed tide pool
Filter layer
WAVE ACTION
+11’ NAVD88
NAVD88
NAVD88
MLLW
MEAN LOW LOW WATER LEVEL
WAVE ACTION
Fishing grounds
Cover layer
16’ CREST 1/4 MILE TO SHORELINE
1/4 MILE TO SHORELINE
Armor rock
Tidal Planter Crustation Infill Unit Reef Propagation Unit Fish Hub
MATERIALITY
ECOncrete® addresses the need for reducing the ecological footprint of coastal and marine
infrastructure by enhancing ecosystem services and elevating biodiversity in urbanized
shorelines.
CIRCULATION FOCUSED ON CONNECTIVITY
A variety of paths and trails allow for extensive pedestrian movement and increased access
to all aspects of the coastal environment.
DESIGN FOR ECOLOGICAL CONNECTIVITY
Irie Coast is a ecological ‘connector’; linking the estuary to the rain forest and urban areas
to the marine environment.
PRESERVE • CORAL FARM
• ECOLOGICAL
RESTORATION
• CORAL DETOUR
• ARTIFICIAL REEF IN-FILL
• CORAL FARM
• ECOLOGICAL
RESTORATION
CONNECT
ADAPT
A REGIONAL STRATEGY
The strategy lays framework to grow beyond the proposed
site boundaries. Suggesting the city develop a continuous the
proposal has potential and is recommended to go beyond
proposed site boundaries.
REGIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS
Continuous recreational river routes connect the estuary to
the rainforest and urban areas to the river, while swale planting
improves urban quality and local identity
Stormwater swales in street for infiltration and water storage
Safety thresholds with sluices compartment safety regimes and
create water retention areas
Ecological recovery towards a continuous ecological structure
with a variety of gradients, due to openable sluices, fish ladders,
and recovered riparian zones
Aquaphillic urban redevelopments/ adaptations; affordable &
flood-proof development on mounds, stilts or floatable
WAVES
EVERYDAY FLOOD EVENT FLOOD EVENT + BREAKWATER
FLOOD HAZARD REDUCTION
BEACH NOURISHMENT
2014 SHORELINE
1928 SHORELINE
SHORELINE EROSION
ZONE REDUCED OR
STABILIZED
HISTORIC SHORELINE LOSS PROJECTED SHORELINE LOSS
WITH NO INTERVENTION
SHORELINE STABILIZATION
WITH INTERVENTION
COASTAL EROSION REDUCTION
SHORELINE PRIOR TO BW INSTALLATION
V ZONE
COASTAL A
ZONE
A ZONE
A ZONE
REDUCTION OF V ZONE
AND COASTAL A ZONES
REDUCTION OF
A ZONE EXTENT
TOMBOLO SALIENT CREST NO IMPACT
FUTURE
EROSION ZONE
WAVES
WAVES
BEACH NOURISHMENT
WAVES
EVERYDAY FLOOD EVENT FLOOD EVENT + BREAKWATER
FLOOD HAZARD REDUCTION
BEACH NOURISHMENT
2014 SHORELINE
1928 SHORELINE
SHORELINE EROSION
ZONE REDUCED OR
STABILIZED
HISTORIC SHORELINE LOSS PROJECTED SHORELINE LOSS
WITH NO INTERVENTION
SHORELINE STABILIZATION
WITH INTERVENTION
COASTAL EROSION REDUCTION
SHORELINE PRIOR TO BW INSTALLATION
V ZONE
COASTAL A
ZONE
A ZONE
A ZONE
REDUCTION OF V ZONE
AND COASTAL A ZONES
REDUCTION OF
A ZONE EXTENT
TOMBOLO SALIENT CREST NO IMPACT
FUTURE
EROSION ZONE
WAVES
WAVES
WAVES
EVERYDAY FLOOD EVENT FLOOD EVENT + BREAKWATER
FLOOD HAZARD REDUCTION
BEACH NOURISHMENT
2014 SHORELINE
1928 SHORELINE
SHORELINE EROSION
ZONE REDUCED OR
STABILIZED
HISTORIC SHORELINE LOSS PROJECTED SHORELINE LOSS
WITH NO INTERVENTION
SHORELINE STABILIZATION
WITH INTERVENTION
COASTAL EROSION REDUCTION
SHORELINE PRIOR TO BW INSTALLATION
V ZONE
COASTAL A
ZONE
A ZONE
A ZONE
REDUCTION OF V ZONE
AND COASTAL A ZONES
REDUCTION OF
A ZONE EXTENT
TOMBOLO SALIENT CREST NO IMPACT
FUTURE
EROSION ZONE
WAVES
WAVES
FLOOD HAZARD REDUCTION
COASTAL EROSION REDUCTION
THE BLUE BELTS
The diffusing reefs were designed and located based
upon the research obtained from John Knowles at
the Jamaican Nature Conservancy and generalized
theories. Moving forward with the project more
accurate data should be obtained and environmental
modeling should be preformed to maximize the
strategies efficiency.
The location of the proposed interventions was guided
by three principle functions the preform. Environmental
inventory and analysis identified where conditions
were defined to be ideal. The strategies only diffuse
the treats of climate change by reducing wave hight
and velocity, they do not keep water out.
This new partnership allows for nature to be on the
front line of coastal defense. Absorbing the brute
of the force and self regenerating it’s self. This will
dramatically reduce the continually capital the city
devotes to infrastructure with time. With the initial
investments in reef restoration and creation cost
on average thousands of dollars less than traditional
means of mitigation.
DUNES AND BERMS
CONSTRUCTED REEFS
TIDAL FLATS
DREDGE WETLANDS
FRICTION FORESTS
ABSORPTIVE EDGES
HABITAT BREAKWATERS
MITIGATE
RESTORE PARTNERADAPT
ENHANCEHabitat Breakwater
Borrow pit filling
Constructed reef
lobster reef
High ground
development
Storm water
storage
Floodable
first floor
Urban Berm
Tidal pool
Dredge wetland
SEA WALL TYPOLOGIES LAYERED ECOLOGIES
t r a n s e c t t y p o l o g i e s h u m a n e c o l o g y
DIFFUSEDEFENDDELAYDETAIN DISCHARGE
AQUATIC HABITAT
PRESERVED AND RESTORED MANGROVE FORESTS
SALT MARSHLAND
BEACH
MEADOW
PASSIVE RECREATIONAL FIELD
ACTIVE RECREATIONAL LAWN
DUNES AND COASTAL THICKET
SUCESSIONAL SCRUB
FORESTED WETLAND
DEEP WATER MARSH
EXISTING CANOPY AND
MARITIME FOREST
PROPOSED CANOPY AND
MARITIME RE-FORESTATION