A.E.R - ARTIFICIAL.ENCLOSED.REEF
Shortlisted (Top 30) at The Charrette’s Alternate Realities Competition, 2020
Form-finding and main concept
Artificial reefs create a unique space that bridges the gap between our world and the ethereal underwater environment. Serving as a protective sanctuary for aquatic life, these reefs help preserve balance and harmony in nature. Not only do they offer a genesis for new homes for corals and fish, but they also provide the necessary framework for rapid ecosystem growth.
The form-finding process for the here-presented artificial reef design involved multiple iterations to create intricate shapes and complex concavities, based on the morphology of natural coral reefs.
Images created using Maya, VRay and Substance Painter
How it works
Designing sculptural structures for the underwater world is one of the ways in which we can react to the widespread coral bleaching. In order to make ecosystems adapt to the phases of transformation determined by climate change and other environmental issues, AER is constructed on 3 layers:
1. the skeletal structure for the corals to grow on
2. a filter for microplastic to be caught inside of (which can be opened and cleaned or replaced easily)
3. the base triangles, which help fix the first two layers and finally link the whole assembly to the wall that AER is fixed on.
Maya + VRay render of the final design
Alternate Realities Competition
Alternate realities exist within environments that are gradually fading from our memories. By providing a pristine home for other living beings, we shift our priorities and ultimately benefit ourselves. In my view, the unseen worlds and untouchable wounds are the ones in dire need of healing. These guiding principles have informed my experimental approach to this competition entry. It should be noted that all concepts presented here are theoretical and have not yet been tested in practice.
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First sketches
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3D form-finding test
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AI digital sketch
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AI digital sketch
