Collect & Connect – Resilient South City

The HASSELL+ ‘Collect & Connect – Resilient South City’ proposal for South San Francisco is part of the Resilient by Design Bay Area Challenge. This year-long program combined the creativity, knowledge and experience of residents, public officials and local, national and international design experts. The brief? To develop inventive, community-based solutions to sea-level-rise, severe storms, flooding and earthquakes.

Through extensive community engagement, research and an inclusive design process, the HASSELL+ international collective mapped out a range of ways to make ‘South City’ stronger. Together, these ideas make it easier to reach and enjoy the local creek and bay, reduce the impacts of flooding, build resilience to sea-level rise and return native flora and fauna to the area. Just as importantly, they make a healthy, active life near the water easier to imagine and achieve.

Located in San Mateo County, South San Francisco is the bay’s self-proclaimed ‘industrial city’. Major freeways and rail lines link the city to the region, but also divide the city and limit residents’ access to the bay. Parts of the community suffer from flooding, and their historic access to the shoreline is blocked by industry. And, like the entire Bay Area, San Mateo County is at risk from sea-level-rise and seismic events. This makes San Mateo County the perfect testing ground for ‘Collect & Connect’ solutions that could unlock potential for shoreline communities around the entire Bay Area.