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The Evolution of Aquatecture: SeaManta, a Floating Coral Reef

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WCFS2020

Part of the book series: Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering ((LNCE,volume 158))

Abstract

With our oceans under increasing pressure, our coral reefs are amongst the first to suffer. Therefore, we were exploring to what extent we could merge our skills as aquatects with those of marine engineering and marine environment to design a floating artificial reef which provides ecological and economic stimulus to our reefs and oceans. The transdisciplinary system-based design approach revealed many opportunities for floating structures. Therefore, we suggest as a more general outcome the development of the concept “aquatecture” further. The specific outcome is a first of its kind floating structure with a total length of 60 m. Its pragmatically shaped aquatic design is driven by hydrodynamic and wind parameters, maximum water contact, and sufficient sunlight for the floating reef. Digital models were cross-compared with scaled physical models in wave tanks and a wind tunnel. The hybrid design technique was used to optimise the development process which lead to a Manta-like form, therefore the name SeaManta. The Sea Manta is anchored to allow to move as non-invasive structure in line with changing wind and wave conditions. Its major component is the integrated artificial reef which can be sustained through a process called electro-accumulation of minerals. A low voltage current is passed through the structure to help grow a limestone-like substance from the dissolved minerals in the water, supplemented by porous 3D printed ceramic. This will create a very strong reef structure with high levels of dissolved oxygen, letting the corals and fish flourish. Divers can enjoy this marine habitat below the water surface. Above water, hospitality and dive facilities, a swimming pool and interactive aquarium displays are inviting everybody who is thrilled by the synergy of marine wild-life’s protection and fascination.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. SeaCities.org, Cities Research Institute, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia

    Joerg Baumeister

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  1. Joerg Baumeister
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Correspondence to Joerg Baumeister .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Architecture, Warsaw University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland

    Łukasz Piątek

  2. Floating Solutions LLP, Singapore, Singapore

    Soon Heng Lim

  3. School of Civil Engineering, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia

    Chien Ming Wang

  4. Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, Rotterdam, The Netherlands

    Rutger de Graaf-van Dinther

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Baumeister, J. (2022). The Evolution of Aquatecture: SeaManta, a Floating Coral Reef. In: Piątek, Ł., Lim, S.H., Wang, C.M., de Graaf-van Dinther, R. (eds) WCFS2020. Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering, vol 158. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-2256-4_8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-2256-4_8

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Singapore

  • Print ISBN: 978-981-16-2255-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-981-16-2256-4

  • eBook Packages: EngineeringEngineering (R0)

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