Sharp and Functional
This subway grate represents a creative design and a practical solution and was this week recognized with an Urban Design Award of the American Institute of Architects. (The photograph is courtesy of New York City’s MTA Facebook page.) Because ventilation grates are flush with the sidewalk, above subway stations that are not deep underground, stations are at risk of flooding. When a particularly heavy rainstorm in August 2007 completely flooded the New York City subway system, the transit authority instituted a $31 million flood prevention plan in susceptible areas. This clever subway grate doubles as street furniture. What the transit authority has yet to address, however, is passenger education about disaster risks. There is concern that New York City residents would seek refuge in subway stations in severe storms which are, of course, the last place you want to be during a disaster alert.