Negotiating Boundaries

A regenerative design approach using "Seacrete", a dissolving biomaterial, to create habitats that adapt to sea-level rise and foster biodiversity.

Watch the 1-minute pitch video

https://youtu.be/TFyIzYoqI-U?si=_NgsqgVBcWtq4G-v at 49:42

Long description

Designing for the Symbiocene reimagines architecture as a process of coexistence, where human-made structures contribute to, rather than disrupt, ecosystems. This project introduces “Seacrete”, an innovative biomaterial derived from seashells and marine lime, designed to dissolve over time, enriching marine habitats instead of leaving waste. By embracing natural processes such as erosion and sea-level rise, Seacrete challenges conventional architecture’s resistance to change, demonstrating a new model of adaptive, regenerative design. Inspired by traditional shell lime construction and informed by research in marine biology and material science (Natural formation of stone, fossil limestone), this project proposes a future where buildings evolve into biotopes, transitioning from human spaces to ecological habitats. The design supports biodiversity, strengthens coastal ecosystems, and promotes sustainable material practices by integrating local aquaculture byproducts. This work is a call for architects, urban planners, and designers to rethink how built environments can be symbiotic with nature, ensuring a thriving future for all species.