This living seawall is located on the coast of Sydney's harbor and it is placed there by Swedish automaker Volvo. The hexagonal structure is created to contribute to sustainability and to promote biodiversity.
Volvo's living seawall is strategically shaped. The exterior consists of an irregular mosaic of tiles — 50 in total. The overall aesthetic is reminiscent of "the root structure of native mangrove trees." This innovative design is a contradiction to the traditional alternative as it welcomes and attracts marine wildlife. Attached to the surface of the existing wall, it is made with marine-grade concrete and recycled plastic fibers.
The automaker created the living seawall through a collaboration with the Sydney Institute of Marine Science and Reef Design Lab and as a result, fostered an environmentally safe space that strengthens aquatic life near urban sites.
Biodiversity Favoring Living Seawalls
Volvo Installs a Seawall in Sydney That Battles Pollution
Trend Themes
1. Living Seawalls - The creation of living seawalls as a sustainable and biodiverse solution to combat pollution and strengthen aquatic life.
2. Irregular Mosaic Tiles - The use of irregular mosaic tiles in seawall design to mimic the root structure of native mangrove trees and attract marine wildlife.
3. Collaborations for Environmental Solutions - The collaboration between automakers, scientific institutes, and design labs to create environmentally safe spaces for aquatic life near urban sites.
Industry Implications
1. Automotive - Automakers like Volvo exploring innovative solutions that promote sustainability and environmental conservation.
2. Marine Science - Marine science institutes and research labs working on developing eco-friendly designs for seawalls to protect coastal environments.
3. Construction - Construction companies utilizing recycled materials and unconventional design techniques in infrastructure projects for environmental conservation.