The WEDG (Waterfront Edge Design Guidelines) Manual is a practical design and evaluation resource published by the Waterfront Alliance, a New York City-based non-profit organization focused on resilient, accessible, and ecologically sound waterfronts. WEDG stands for Waterfront Edge Design Guidelines and is presented as a national, science-based voluntary rating system for waterfront projects in both coastal and inland settings. The resource is intended for design teams, developers, public agencies, community advocates, students, and educators working on waterfront planning and construction.
The manual was developed with input from hundreds of experts in design, science, community development, engineering, and insurance, reflecting an interdisciplinary process. It positions WEDG as a tool to help project teams balance resilience, ecology, and public access at the water’s edge. The system distills technical waterfront science and social considerations into a set of guidelines and performance-based targets that can be used during site assessment, planning, and design.
The manual organizes the framework into six categories: site assessment and planning; responsible siting and coastal risk reduction; community access and connections; edge resilience; natural resources; and innovation. Projects are scored against credits, and the resource notes that 130 out of 250 points are required to achieve WEDG Verified status. The latest version referenced in the available material was released in March 2018.
Overall, the manual functions both as a technical guide and as a communication tool between landowners, designers, regulators, and communities.