CARBOGEM - Carbon Capture in Artificial Reefs

Sustainable reef restoration module

85% of the world’s oyster reefs have disappeared due to human-induced pollution, overfishing, climate change, and ocean acidification. Fortunately, there are many initiatives working to restore these ecosystems using artificial reefs, primarily made from concrete. However, this material has a significant CO2 footprint. CARBOGEM is a reef restoration module developed in collaboration with the Fraunhofer Institute in Germany. It is made from a novel form of concrete made from oyster shell waste and an algae-based binder.

JURY STATEMENT

This is a brilliantly conceived solution for reef restoration that uses elements of the same natural resources the reef is designed to protect, making this project both renewable and circular. The end result is also a thing of great beauty, like concrete inset with brilliant gems.

WINNER STATEMENT

The iF DESIGN STUDENT AWARD is a powerful validation of holistic design solutions that help heal the natural world. I believe this spirit is essential for enabling the large-scale regeneration of vulnerable ecosystems.

UNIVERSITY

University of the Arts Berlin

Berlin, DE

DESIGN

Clara Schmelter de Escobar

University of the Arts Berlin