ECO - CATALYST Re-activating Wetlands

200 years from now the global water levels will continue to increase and will lead to submerging the coastal cities - such as Miami. Our bridge focuses on providing an architectural solution for this by re-activating nature in Biscayne Bay. Located in the south of Miami - in Biscayne Bay, the bridge acts as a natural barrier between the Atlantic Ocean and the inland areas of Florida, protecting and rejuvenating the outer coastline. Using the ecology of Florida - such as mangroves provides an area for local birds to nest and migrate to in the winter, thereby catalyzing the ecosystem of the area. The bridge design is a prototype, built in multiples until it meets the mainland of Miami city.

Project Details

Location: Biscayne Bay, Miami

Year: 2023

Status: Academic

Sector: Architecture

Typology: Infrastructure - Bridge

Scope/Role: Student - Architect

Team: Richa Asangi, Aishwarya Pawar

The Natural Barrier

Building a bridge of this scale would take a long time, so the first line of defense would be a mangrove plantation. Mangroves are unique trees. These trees are native to Biscayne Bay and grow fast in high-salinity coastal areas. Because of the size and shape of the roots, it forms an interlocked system of roots that protect the coastlines from erosion, filter pollutants, and provides a habitat for a diverse array of wildlife.

In our proposal we initiate the growth of these mangroves through artificial jigs floating in water to allow mangroves to grow close and tight to each other at the base of the bridge, thereby anchoring it. These pods will also provide the base for construction over the years and mangroves also allow sediments to collect and in turn help in land formation and over time save the coastline.

The Sanctuary

The programs inside the bridge have been designed to keep phases of construction and growth in mind. The base of the bridge focuses on the mangrove growth and extending the coastline between Biscayne Bay National Park and Miami while the bridge will serve as an eco-catalyst.

The bridge is designed to be a set of environmental systems that are harmonious with one another as well as with humans. The submerged legs of the bridge are developed as marine and manatee’s protection and observation areas. The superstructure consists of varieties of ecological areas that may or may not be human-intervened. It’s a self-sustaining structure that provides an impartial habitat for humans and nature.

1. Base

The base of the bridge is formed through mangrove growth and the deposition of sediment forming the coastline over the years. The formation of the coastline will actively increase the growth of coral and marine life.

2. Legs

The legs/submerged foundation of the bridge consists of programs that overlap with humans and nature. The major portion of the legs are designed to be used as are means of transportation and resource supply.

3. Skin

The Skin of the bridge is mainly human-centric. It encapsulates living spaces as well as smaller congregational spaces. One of the major purposes of the skin is to produce needed renewable resources.

4. Core Structure

The core Structure of the bridge is a porose non-human intervened. It forms several microclimates and co-dependent ecosystems, which humans might monitor but not intervene in.

5. Inner Core

The Inner core of the bridge is most critical for humans as well as nature. It’s a production space for all. The inner core consists of a variety of spaces like water desalination plants, hydroponic gardens, rainwater harvesting, various vegetation beds, etc.

A new echo system.

The core structure of the bridge which supports the essential systems is designed to be porous and light in nature. That would allow nature to thrive in those pores. These would form complex interconnected ecosystems.

The Transit Nodes

The legs culminate into a transit nod, making it one of the most important public spaces for human activity. There are overall 4 transit nods in the bridge connected by an electric run hyperloop. All 4 nods have different ancillary functions like hydroponic farming, rainwater harvesting, etc.

Samad Vahora

Architectural Designer in Chicago

I possess the artful prowess to sculpt living spaces into harmonious havens, blending form and function to create residential dreams that transcend mere structures, awakening the essence of home.

Smortr > Samad Vahora > Eco - Catalyst

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