A new exhibition in New York City, organized by Pratt Institute’s Center for Climate Adaptation (CCA), presents a range of perspectives on climate adaptation strategies in archipelagos—communities that are at the greatest risk and in need of finding livable solutions for climate change. Titled Adaptations 2.0, the exhibition takes place on Governors Island, where the SOM-designed New York Climate Exchange, a center for developing solutions to the climate crisis, is taking shape. SOM’s master plan and architecture for this waterfront site embodies the center’s sustainable mission, with a range of strategies to reduce the carbon impact of building construction and operations. The exhibition presents this design in dialogue with another urban waterfront campus: SOM’s Campus Framework Plan for Cornell Tech, on nearby Roosevelt Island in the East River between Manhattan and Queens. In designing the campus master plans and architecture for these two significant sites in the New York City archipelago, SOM has found the opportunity to put principles into practice for a resilient future.

Together with SOM’s work, Adaptations 2.0 presents coastal resilience projects by Foster and Partners; an exhibition by Pratt CCA titled “Patagonia and Beyond;” and work by graduating masters students in urban design and architecture focusing on sites in Red Hook, Brooklyn, and Jamaica Bay, Queens.

Pratt CCA’s exhibition coincides with New York City Climate Week and the UN Summit of the Future. At a special event on September 24, SOM Design Partner Colin Koop will join a panel of designers, policymakers, and civic leaders to discuss the challenges and opportunities for waterfront development.  

Adaptations 2.0
Building 14, Nolan Park
Governors Island, New York City
August 16 to November 3, 2024
Visiting hours: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Friday through Sunday