S5, E5: Innovative Horizons: A Designer's Perspective on Waterfront Infrastructure with Dena Prastos

Waterfront infrastructure refers to the systems and structures built along the edges of bodies of water to serve various purposes, such as transportation, recreation, flood protection, habitat restoration, and economic development. Despite the significant opportunities, waterfront infrastructures are not immune to a unique set of challenges. Architects and designers must consider resiliency and sustainability.

Waterfront areas are vulnerable to flooding, erosion, and other natural hazards. Architects and designers need to employ materials and construction methods that can withstand these challenges. They also must consider the impact of climate change and design for rising sea levels and more extreme weather events. Regarding sustainability, waterfront development should be executed in a way that protects the environment and minimizes the impact on natural resources.

In this episode, we are joined by Dena Prastos, a visionary professional with expertise in waterfront architecture, civil engineering, futurism, climate adaptation, entrepreneurship, and innovative thinking. As the founder and CEO of Indigo River, a pioneering transdisciplinary design firm led by women, she spearheads progressive initiatives in waterfront architecture, resilience, and climate adaptation. Renowned as a leading authority in New York Harbor and beyond, her firm excels in seamlessly transcending boundaries to address climate challenges through innovative waterfront solutions. Indigo River is dedicated to guiding and overseeing projects from inception to completion, including construction and ongoing operations.

Let's jump in!

Key Highlights from the Episode:

[00:01] Episode intro and a bit about our guest, Dena Prastos

[01:59] Dena’s journey and what inspired her to start Indigo River

[05:00] The growth journey of Indigo River since its inception

[06:45] Dena’s creative process in the Indigo River 

[09:58] A breakdown of one of Dena’s most memorable projects  

[12:09] How to stay informed and innovative on climate change as a designer or architecture

[16:46] The role of sustainability in her design world

[18:37] Key collaborations that have shaped Dena’s work

[24:54] The future of Indigo River

[26:12] Episode wrap-up and calls to action

Notable Quotes: 

• Sustainability goes hand in hand with resiliency. Sustainability is man’s impact on the planet, while resiliency is nature’s impact on humankind. 
• By default, working on the waterfront is one of the most vulnerable topographies to climate change, rising sea levels, and flooding. 
• Before approaching any waterfront infrastructure project, you must do thorough due diligence. You must understand different underlying site conditions and natural weather patterns of the area.

Connect with Dena Prastos 

Website: https://www.indigoriver.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denaprastos/

Learn more about Thrive In Design: 

Website: https://www.thriveindesign.co/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thriveindesign/

Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/thriveindesign/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thriveindesign/

 

Register for the next Thrive In Design live training here: https://training.thriveindesign.co/

 

Get your copy of "The Ultimate Guide to A&D Sales": https://www.thriveindesign.co/brand-reps.