BIO-SHELTERS ARTIFICIAL REEF CHALLENGES Early phases and prototypes informing subsequent iterations

This paper presents the latest phase of the Bio- Shelters research project, an exploration of nature-based, data-driven design methods to enhance marine biodiversity in urban coastal environments. Situated at the intersection of architecture, computational design, and marine biology, the project redefines architecture’s role toward creating habitats for non-human species. Focusing on urban harbour foreshores, Bio-Shelters investigates how computation, biomimicry, and digital fabrication can generate artificial reef structures that address ecological degradation from climate change and urbanization. The research introduces a methodology integrating environmental data, species requirements, and site characteristics into a generative framework to produce bespoke, ecologically responsive 3D structures. Through collaboration among architects, biologists, and engineers, the project employs advanced tools to create adaptive, site-specific habitats that emulate natural reefs. By reimagining seawalls as porous, dynamic interfaces between land and sea, Bio-Shelters sets architecture as a catalyst for ecological resilience and contributes to broader discussions on ecological sustainability.