Design for Coral Restoration
This project is my Bachelors project for my B.A. in integrated Productdesign at Coburg University of Applied Sciences and Arts. In my thesis I conducted a metastudy on designing purpose-built reefs. My goal was to give show what potentials open up in the field of reef design. I want to give an idea what the process of designing a purpose-built reef can look like and what needs to be considered for an ecosystem-aware and holistic design approach.
THE PROJECT
Degraded Coral Reefs
Coral reefs are being structurally destroyed by human impacts such as overfishing, pollution, and climate change. There is no structure left for coral settlement. That is why artificial structures are being used around the world to restore coral reefs.
PROBLEM STATEMENT
Coral Reef Impact Network
Coral reefs form intricate connections and have far-reaching influences, creating a complex web of interdependencies within the global ecosystem. Millions of people worldwide rely on those connections while human impact is degrading coral reefs at the same time.
PROBLEM STATEMENT
Field Experience
During my work with Corals for Conservation in Fiji I became aware of the urgency of restoring degraded reefs and gained experience in working with artificial reef structures. I realized that many of the current methods lack an ecosystem-aware approach and proper guidelines.
RESEARCH
Interviews and Survey
My goal was to give an understanding of current restoration methods and show what potentials open up in the field of purpose-built reef design. To get as close to the subject as possible I conducted a meta-study on the development of purpose-built reef structures. I had interviews with artificial reef designers and conducted a survey for NGOs who are currently working with such structures.
RESEARCH
THE VISION
Process Development
I want to give an idea what the process of designing a purpose-built reef can look like and what needs to be considered for an ecosystem-aware and holistic design approach. Therefore I developed a process for designing purpose-built reefs based on the findings in the metastudy I conducted earlier.
Areas of Potential
During each process step I focused on the areas of potential that open up through an holistic and ecosystem-aware design approach.
THE VISION
Seaside 2023
I presented the first results at a sustainability workshop on board the Vaka, an autonomous sailing boat, hosted by the NGO Okeanos with other designers and marine biologists. I received great feedback which validated my concept.
VALIDATION
Presentation
I presented the final results of my thesis in front of professors, students, and other people who were interested in my topic. The feedback I received further validated the relevance of my thesis topic.
FINAL RESULT
Conclusion
Overall, this thesis contributes to the conversation surrounding purpose-built reefs and the role of design in coral restoration. By showcasing the possibilities and potential within the design process, it can inspire designers to approach purpose-built reef projects with a focus on ecosystem-aware and inclusive design. Continued research and collaboration among scientists, local communities, policymakers, and designers will be crucial to further refine and implement purpose-built reefs in a manner that truly benefits marine ecosystems and their surrounding communities.
FINAL RESULT
My goal was to raise awareness for our oceans and the fact that designers are needed in the field of restoration. Furthermore, I want to foster co-creation and talk about the necessity of working in interdisciplinary teams and learning from each other in order to address the climate crisis we are facing. I am currently giving talks on my thesis topic for younger students to raise awareness about our oceans with the NGO Waves of Action.
Download my thesis here →
2023 - 4 months