Modifying the way that built surfaces are constructed and function can improve the environmental performance of the urban fabric.

One specific objectives of the studio was to reduce the peak flows of stormwater leaving urban sites, thereby reducing the number and volume of combined sewer overflow events into Elliott Bay and the Duwamish River. Currently the surfaces in the study area function like an "umbrella" to shed water as quickly as possible.

By re-thinking the way these surfaces might function as "sponges" they could begin to function as "impervious" surfaces.