Connotation Differences and Synergistic Strategies of Urban
Resilience and Flexibility:
Based on New York’s Big-U Project
Jiatong Li, Anni Hu, Yuan Lai
Abstract：Under the global context of climate change and accelerated urbanization, the concepts of urban resilience and flexibility
have emerged as responses to the dynamic uncertainties of cities. This paper takes the Big-U waterfront project in
Manhattan, New York, as an example. By analyzing the resilience and flexibility strategies implemented during the
project’s macro-planning, micro-design, and implementation phases, it explores the conceptual differences, strategies,
and collaborative pathways between urban resilience and flexibility. Resilience is goal-oriented, enhancing system
stability through modular flood prevention facilities and ecological restoration, while flexibility is process-driven,
focusing on spatial dynamic adjustments and the flexibility of governance mechanisms. Based on the synergistic
enhancement strategies demonstrated by the project, the study offers insights for urban planning in China, suggesting
the need to establish a “structured goal-flexible synergy” governance framework. This framework should be
implemented through zoning planning, multifunctional infrastructure, and multi-stakeholder participation mechanisms
to promote the organic integration of urban resilience and flexibility, thereby providing dual protections against climate
change and uncertain development.
