Author: Isaac Gendler

Concrete Washouts

Concrete Washouts

12/21/25

“How do we dispose of leftover concrete at the end of a construction workday?”

Concrete is a vital part of modern-day construction activity. But what do we do with the spare concrete leftover at the end of a construction workday? If we don’t do anything with it, we risk polluting soil and waterways. Well, what if we wash concrete out of all tools and chutes and place the waste into a special disposal container? Well, this is the Concrete Washout process, and it’s how construction operators ensure they don’t harm the surrounding environment and community with concrete waste.

Image credit: https://outpak.com/

Dry Wells

Dry Wells

12/20/25

“How can we create underground storage chambers that infiltrate stormwater into the earth?”

Stormwater can overwhelm any municipality, whether it’s in the Borneo rainforest or the Kalamari Desert. People need a way to manage it as it enters. So what if we were to use a pipe to collect stormwater from a roof or catchment basin, place it in an underground tank filled with filtering aggregate material punctured by void spaces for the water, and encase it in a semi-permeable structure that allows water to infiltrate out? Well, this is the idea behind Dry Wells. Dry wells can mitigate stormwater flooding and help recharge nearby aquifers. Operators should install dry wells away from low hydroconductive soils, high groundwater table aquifers, polluted sites, and building foundations.

Image credit: https://gloverlandscapes.com/

Turbidity Curtains

Turbidity Curtains

12/19/25

“How can we use floatable curtains to prevent turbidity from spreading in bodies of water?”

Sediment runoff from construction activities can spike turbidity levels in nearby bodies of water. Once enough sediment breaches into a body of water, it can envelop everything. So what if we were to build a floating curtain barrier to contain the turbidity to a single place? Well, this is the idea behind Turbidity Curtains. Turbidity curtains have three parts: a top floatable piece, a protective skirt in the middle that prevents turbidity from spreading, and a ballast at the bottom to stabilize the curtain. We can apply turbidity curtains to a variety of situations beyond construction activity, from aquaculture to oil spill containment.

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Blue Roofs

Blue Roofs

12/18/25

“How can we develop roofs designed to store rainwater during storms?”

Rainwater during storms will fall on roofs before moving to the ground. If too much water is dumped on the ground, then it might overwhelm local infiltration capacity and flood the area. So what if we were to develop roofs that could hold rainwater during storms and then slowly release and/or evaporate it once the storm has passed? Well, this is the concept behind Blue Roofs. Blue roofs are an excellent asset for flood control. Reducing the intensity of stormwater can decrease the occurrence of combined sewer overflows and increase water conservation.

Image credit: https://abg-geosynthetics.com/

Lot Line Buildings

Lot Line Buildings

12/17/25

“What makes NYC buildings developed right up to property lines so special?”

NYC is famous for its tall, dense buildings. One factor that allows for such density is the availability of the Lot Line Buildings designation. Lot Line buildings are buildings developed right up to the property line, maximizing their potential floor space. Adjacent lot-line buildings will stand attached next to each other. Lot line buildings can have different heights from proximate developments, and windows from taller lot line buildings will look down on their neighbors. Because lot line buildings can grow vertically, windows on once-taller floors can get covered up by their neighbors. Potential buyers of lot line buildings must be aware of this factor during selection.

Active Blue Roofs

Active Blue Roofs

12/16/25

“How can we use active mechanisms to control water on our rooftops?”

Blue roof systems keep water on rooftops until later. Some of these use active mechanisms, such as valve controls, to control when water is stored and when it is released. These Active Blue Roofs are an effective way to keep water from flooding the surrounding area.

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Limit of Disturbance

Limit of Disturbance

12/15/25

“How can we define the limit where land disturbing activity can take place?”

Construction activities disturb the land and soil, whether it’s for complex grading or simple excavation. Government bodies typically want construction operators not disturb sensitive areas such as impaired water bodies. One tactic is to set a Limit of Disturbance for construction. The limit of disturbance defines when and where construction activity can take place in light of local vulnerabilities. Limits of disturbance inform construction operators on where they can put construction activity.

MS4 Outfalls

MS4 Outfalls

12/14/25

“What are the outflow points for MS4 systems?”

MS4 systems separate wastewater from stormwater. The wastewater is sent to filtration units, while the stormwater is churned into water bodies. The outflows of these areas are termed MS4 Outfalls. Regulatory agencies like the NYC DEP take steps to ensure MS4 outfalls are safe for the surrounding community.

Pavers (Architecture)

Pavers (Architecture)

12/13/25

“How can we use small blocks to make beautiful architectural surfaces?”

There are many opportunities for different materials for architectural surfaces. One includes blocks that join together called Pavers. Pavers have discrete spaces between them to make them more modular and allow water to flow between them. Pavers come in all different shapes, sizes, and materials to make for beautiful customization. People can use pavers for a multitude of reasons, from roads to green roof decorations to garden spaces.