The BIG U - defending Manhattan from future floods

When Hurricane Sandy hit the east coast of the U.S. in 2012 New York city was particularly badly hit, suffering major flooding and 20 billion dollars in damage. Part of the Government's response was to fund resiliency projects to protect the Manhattan coastline against future flooding. On of the proposals funded was The Dryline (BIG U). The 12 km-long infrastructural barrier incorporates public space with the high-water barrier doubling as parks. Susie speaks to New York-based architect Kai-Uwe Bergmann, who has contributed to BIG U. He's a keynote speaker at the "in:situ" architecture conference in Tamaki Makaurau on Feb 21.