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Bionic Design + Low-Carbon Materials: 3D-Printed Artificial Reefs Aid Conservation of Chinese White Dolphins in Hong Kong

September 23, 2025 Applications 380

In recent years, the use of 3D-printed artificial reefs to restore fragile aquatic ecosystems has been gaining popularity.

The renowned architecture firm Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) showcased a 3D-printed artificial reef at the World Design Congress (WDC) in London, representing a latest practical case in this field. 3D printing technology can be used to directly produce reef-like modules or create molds, enabling the fabrication of geometrically complex structures that mimic natural formations to provide habitats for aquatic life.

Project Nereid: Multi-Party Collaboration to Protect the Chinese White Dolphin
Named "Nereid," this 3D-printed artificial coral reef is the result of a collaboration between ZHA, the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), and the construction 3D printing company D-Shape (founded by Enrico Dini, a pioneer in binder jetting construction 3D printing). The currently exhibited piece is merely a prototype, with the final product set to be placed in the conservation area of the North Lantau Coast Park in Hong Kong. This region is a habitat for the Chinese white dolphin (also known as the "Pink Dolphin"), which faces severe threats to its survival due to factors such as shipping, ferry operations, and land reclamation projects. As the species has been classified as critically endangered, the project partners aim to restore its habitat through the deployment of artificial coral reefs.

Zaha Hadid Architects Creates 3D-Printed Artificial Coral Reefs for Hong Kong Marine Park

Biomimetic Design + Low-Carbon Materials: Balancing Ecological Adaptation and Environmental Protection

The core reason why Project Nereid can contribute to the restoration of the Chinese white dolphin's habitat lies in its ability to promote the growth of key food sources, particularly organisms at the bottom of the aquatic food chain, such as phytoplankton and filter-feeding shellfish. To achieve this, the artificial coral reef adopts a biomimetic design: its form draws inspiration from the structure of seaweed forests, while its texture and porosity mimic natural coral reefs, maximizing its suitability for the survival needs of aquatic organisms. In terms of materials, the modules use a specially formulated low-carbon concrete slurry with a pH-neutral composition to avoid imposing additional burdens on the marine environment.

Hilda Chan, Chief Marketing Officer of HKSTP, stated, "This collaboration fully demonstrates Zaha Hadid Architects' forward-thinking design, D-Shape's technological innovation, and our commitment to innovative solutions for environmental challenges. We are delighted to see Nereid showcased at the World Design Congress, which highlights the strength of Hong Kong's innovation and technology on a global stage."

Christos Passas, Design Director at ZHA, added, "Based on an in-depth understanding of the support needs of the local ecosystem, this prototype is part of a broader solution developed in collaboration with our innovative technology partners. We hope that through such research and practice, we can advance initiatives that enhance environmental sustainability."

Zaha Hadid Architects Creates 3D-Printed Artificial Coral Reefs for Hong Kong Marine Park

Beyond providing habitats and shelters for local aquatic life, this 3D-printed coral reef-like structure also serves as a physical barrier against bottom trawling. Bottom trawling is an extremely destructive fishing method that severely damages ecosystems and leads to indiscriminate capture of fish and other marine organisms. The barrier effect of the artificial reef can effectively reduce such harm.

3D-Printed Coral Reefs Demonstrate Remarkable Ecological Benefits

Pilot projects and research worldwide have consistently confirmed the ecological restoration capabilities of 3D-printed coral reefs. In September 2025, a recent project in Denmark reported a significant increase in marine life within a port area just five months after deploying 3D-printed reef modules, with the appearance of algae, mussels, small fish, and even the return of species such as eels and cod. In January 2025, Dutch startup Coastruction demonstrated through testing that biodiversity in areas using 3D-printed reefs increased by 250%.