Landscape + Ecology – SOM

Bringing Bio-Concrete to The New York Climate Exchange

Julia.Pollak@som.com — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 13:11:58 +0000

In 2022, we partnered with Prometheus Materials to bring a carbon-absorbing, algae-based cement replacement to create carbon-negative buildings. Late last summer, we began testing this material as exterior paving at The New York Climate Exchange—an international center to develop solutions to the climate crisis with Stony Brook University—on Governors Island in New York. The project began with 10 cubic yards of roadway and will continue across other parts of the campus in 2026.
The cement mix, the ProZERO supplemental blend, replaces 40 percent of traditional cement to significantly reduce embodied carbon. Providing the strength of traditional, high carbon concrete, the blend uses two mechanisms to sequester and remove CO2: photosynthesis during the algae’s growth and carbonate mineralization, a chemical reaction between carbon dioxide and metal to create a solid mineral.
“The Exchange is envisioned as a living laboratory—one where sustainability is embedded in every design and material choice,” said SOM Venture Architect Chas Peppers. “Incorporating ProZERO carbon negative cement and concrete into their climate campus and our other SOM projects demonstrates the power of innovation when design, engineering, and material science come together to confront the climate crisis head-on.”

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The Gateway – Dubai Creek Harbour Metro Station

Admin — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 16:24:55 +0000

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Princeton University Stadium Neighborhood

Admin — Tue, 12 Aug 2025 16:21:11 +0000

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The New York Climate Exchange

Admin — Fri, 04 Apr 2025 10:00:00 +0000

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Doug Voigt Highlights the Wild Mile’s Role in Climate Action and Biodiversity

Jade Leslie — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 17:26:49 +0000

ARCHITECT, a digital publication from the American Institute of Architects, highlights the Wild Mile as an example of biocentric architecture, demonstrating the critical role architects play in designing green infrastructure to combat climate change and support biodiversity.
“This project shows us the importance of green infrastructure and how design can bring ideas that solve more than a single problem,” said SOM Urban Design and Planning Partner Doug Voigt. “Projects like the Wild Mile have the ability to show that we not only have the potential to influence decarbonization, but also biodiversity.”
Located along a formerly industrial stretch of the North Branch of the Chicago River, the Wild Mile is envisioned as a mile-long, interactive eco-park, fostering a thriving natural habitat for plants, wildlife, and people. The first phase of the project, along with the recently completed expansion, includes floating gardens, public walkways, and kayak docks, inviting the local community to connect with the river and appreciate the value of nature-based solutions. Developed in partnership with Urban Rivers and Omni Ecosystems, the park enhances neighborhood connectivity while supporting a resilient urban ecosystem. With the recent completion of its second phase, the Wild Mile has nearly doubled in size, further expanding the urban green space along the river.
ARCHITECT also explores how the Wild Mile’s framework guides the restoration of ecological zones, showcasing the measurable benefits of green infrastructure. Since the creation of the floating park, almost 100 bird species and a surge in fish populations have been recorded.
Using the Wild Mile as a model, Voigt advocates for extending the concept to other ecosystems and regions. Nearly “every city is trying to address the remnants of industrial uses along its waterways,” he said. “Abandoned railways and aging and underutilized infrastructure could be repurposed through this approach of rewilding—of finding places for nature to thrive in areas that it hadn’t.”

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One Flagler

Admin — Tue, 04 Feb 2025 17:09:14 +0000

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Shanghai TOP Xinlian Tech Office Park

Admin — Mon, 16 Sep 2024 17:05:23 +0000

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LG Corporation Headquarters

Admin — Mon, 01 Apr 2024 18:25:36 +0000

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Never-before-seen Wild Mile exhibit opens at the Seoul Biennale of Architecture and Urbanism

Tili.Bensley-Nettheim@som.com — Tue, 05 Sep 2023 17:43:17 +0000

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Kempegowda International Airport – Terminal 2

Admin — Thu, 31 Aug 2023 15:09:50 +0000

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