Welcome to the special session of Ocean Metabolisms, where we delve into the intricate web of marine networks, explore critical environmentalisms, and analyze the intersections of metabolics in our oceans. Through a hybrid approach of interdisciplinary discussions, we aim to uncover the complexities of oceanic ecosystems and their vital role in sustaining life on Earth.

Join us as we navigate through the fluid dynamics of marine networks, examining the interconnectedness of marine species and habitats. From the depths of the ocean floor to the surface currents, we explore the intricate relationships that shape our seas.

In this session, we also address critical environmentalisms, exploring pressing issues such as climate change, pollution, and habitat destruction. Through informed discourse and innovative solutions, we strive to protect and preserve our oceans for future generations.

Furthermore, we delve into intersectional metabolics, recognizing the diverse factors that influence oceanic processes. From biological interactions to human interventions, we uncover the multifaceted nature of metabolic pathways in marine ecosystems.

Join us in this enriching discussion as we unravel the mysteries of Ocean Metabolisms and work towards a sustainable future for our blue planet.

Welcome to the special session of Ocean Metabolisms, where we delve into the intricate web of marine networks, explore critical environmentalisms, and analyze the intersections of metabolics in our oceans. Through a hybrid approach of interdisciplinary discussions, we aim to uncover the complexities of oceanic ecosystems and their vital role in sustaining life on Earth.

Join us as we navigate through the fluid dynamics of marine networks, examining the interconnectedness of marine species and habitats. From the depths of the ocean floor to the surface currents, we explore the intricate relationships that shape our seas.

In this session, we also address critical environmentalisms, exploring pressing issues such as climate change, pollution, and habitat destruction. Through informed discourse and innovative solutions, we strive to protect and preserve our oceans for future generations.

Furthermore, we delve into intersectional metabolics, recognizing the diverse factors that influence oceanic processes. From biological interactions to human interventions, we uncover the multifaceted nature of metabolic pathways in marine ecosystems.

Join us in this enriching discussion as we unravel the mysteries of Ocean Metabolisms and work towards a sustainable future for our blue planet.

Welcome to the special session of Ocean Metabolisms, where we delve into the intricate web of marine networks, explore critical environmentalisms, and analyze the intersections of metabolics in our oceans. Through a hybrid approach of interdisciplinary discussions, we aim to uncover the complexities of oceanic ecosystems and their vital role in sustaining life on Earth.

Join us as we navigate through the fluid dynamics of marine networks, examining the interconnectedness of marine species and habitats. From the depths of the ocean floor to the surface currents, we explore the intricate relationships that shape our seas.

In this session, we also address critical environmentalisms, exploring pressing issues such as climate change, pollution, and habitat destruction. Through informed discourse and innovative solutions, we strive to protect and preserve our oceans for future generations.

Furthermore, we delve into intersectional metabolics, recognizing the diverse factors that influence oceanic processes. From biological interactions to human interventions, we uncover the multifaceted nature of metabolic pathways in marine ecosystems.

Join us in this enriching discussion as we unravel the mysteries of Ocean Metabolisms and work towards a sustainable future for our blue planet.

Welcome to the special session of Ocean Metabolisms, where we delve into the intricate web of marine networks, explore critical environmentalisms, and analyze the intersections of metabolics in our oceans. Through a hybrid approach of interdisciplinary discussions, we aim to uncover the complexities of oceanic ecosystems and their vital role in sustaining life on Earth.

Join us as we navigate through the fluid dynamics of marine networks, examining the interconnectedness of marine species and habitats. From the depths of the ocean floor to the surface currents, we explore the intricate relationships that shape our seas.

In this session, we also address critical environmentalisms, exploring pressing issues such as climate change, pollution, and habitat destruction. Through informed discourse and innovative solutions, we strive to protect and preserve our oceans for future generations.

Furthermore, we delve into intersectional metabolics, recognizing the diverse factors that influence oceanic processes. From biological interactions to human interventions, we uncover the multifaceted nature of metabolic pathways in marine ecosystems.

Join us in this enriching discussion as we unravel the mysteries of Ocean Metabolisms and work towards a sustainable future for our blue planet.

Welcome to the special session of Ocean Metabolisms, where we delve into the intricate web of marine networks, explore critical environmentalisms, and analyze the intersections of metabolics in our oceans. Through a hybrid approach of interdisciplinary discussions, we aim to uncover the complexities of oceanic ecosystems and their vital role in sustaining life on Earth.

Join us as we navigate through the fluid dynamics of marine networks, examining the interconnectedness of marine species and habitats. From the depths of the ocean floor to the surface currents, we explore the intricate relationships that shape our seas.

In this session, we also address critical environmentalisms, exploring pressing issues such as climate change, pollution, and habitat destruction. Through informed discourse and innovative solutions, we strive to protect and preserve our oceans for future generations.

Furthermore, we delve into intersectional metabolics, recognizing the diverse factors that influence oceanic processes. From biological interactions to human interventions, we uncover the multifaceted nature of metabolic pathways in marine ecosystems.

Join us in this enriching discussion as we unravel the mysteries of Ocean Metabolisms and work towards a sustainable future for our blue planet.

Welcome to the special session of Ocean Metabolisms, where we delve into the intricate web of marine networks, explore critical environmentalisms, and analyze the intersections of metabolics in our oceans. Through a hybrid approach of interdisciplinary discussions, we aim to uncover the complexities of oceanic ecosystems and their vital role in sustaining life on Earth.

Join us as we navigate through the fluid dynamics of marine networks, examining the interconnectedness of marine species and habitats. From the depths of the ocean floor to the surface currents, we explore the intricate relationships that shape our seas.

In this session, we also address critical environmentalisms, exploring pressing issues such as climate change, pollution, and habitat destruction. Through informed discourse and innovative solutions, we strive to protect and preserve our oceans for future generations.

Furthermore, we delve into intersectional metabolics, recognizing the diverse factors that influence oceanic processes. From biological interactions to human interventions, we uncover the multifaceted nature of metabolic pathways in marine ecosystems.

Join us in this enriching discussion as we unravel the mysteries of Ocean Metabolisms and work towards a sustainable future for our blue planet.

In response to the global challenges posed by climate change and the accelerating destruction of coral reefs, numerous coral restoration techniques are under development. However, many current methods, utilizing plastic or metal devices and chemical adhesives are detrimental to the symbiotic ecological interplay of oceanic ecosystems and hinder the long-term regeneration of corals. In many cases, these «colonial» techniques are not connected to the living environment of the human coastal inhabitants and thus often do not promote an urgently needed social change in coastal communities.

CREDITS: Diver laura Julio Racero during transplantation of Acropora cervicornis onto prototype of «Symbiotic Coral Nurseries» from Bejuco. Pilot projekt: Symbiotic Coral Nurseries. Photo: Rasa Weber. Diver: Laura Julio Racero. Location: Tierra Bomba (COL), 2023. Rasa Weber rasaweber.com & Polynesian Institute of Biomimicry biomimetisme-polynesie.org © 2024. All rights reserved.

The international project team of the «Symbiotic Coral Nurseries» (Colombia, France, Germany) initiated a pilot project spanning from January 2023 to March 2024. This project proposes the utilization of natural fibers and incorporates the social dimension of the local coastal community in the development of a marine conservation method. The «Symbiotic Coral Nurseries» represent a novel prototype utilizing innovative and symbiotic biomineralization techniques based on natural fibers and traditional artisanal crafts to promote coral conservation.

The Polynesian Biomimicry Institute (IPB), in collaboration with CRIOBE (CNRS) and the Colombian Biomimicry Institute (ICB), has been designing the preceding project «Biomim-For-Coral» (French Polynesia) since 2019. These nurseries, inspired by biomimicry, integrate natural materials, local knowledge, and traditional weaving techniques to enhance productivity and provide protection for coral during temperature fluctuations.

In 2023, following a project presentation at World Design Capital Valencia (Spain), the IPB partnered with design studio Rasa Weber, Paraiso Dive Center’s José Uparela, and Colombian designer Andry Carrasquilla to construct a symbiotic coral garden in the Bocachica region. This project aimed to create an ecological habitat for corals while supporting local artisanal work and collaborating with local divers for marine conservation. By working with experts like marine biologist Camilo Ulloa and local divers, the project fostered synergies between coastal communities and the life of corals. 

After a year of preparation and a month of on-site fieldwork, the team led by Rasa Weber and François Briant produced and installed five comparative prototypes using bio-based materials such as bejuco wood, fiqué fibers, and coconut fibers. As a «hybrid nursery model» the fibers were in one case combined with a metal structure, as the basis for installing a Biorock system (Hilbertz & Goreau 1970), which is a widely used system in coral restoration. The accelerated biomineralization caused by the Biorock system was meant to counteract the rapid biodegradation of the natural fibers in order to stabilize the nursery system, as a similar result was already observed in an earlier IPB experiment as part of the «Biomim-For-Coral» project. The combination of natural fibers with the technology, its interaction with the Caribbean coral ecosystem and the local coastal community of Bocachica seeks to introduce a novel approach to the established restoration technology. While these materials showed promise for coral growth, their long-term stability remained uncertain. Especially in the face of environmental pressure of the Caribbean Heatwave 2023, as well as technical challenges, lack of budget and specific expertise in its installation hindered the long-term maintenance of the project. 

Despite technological uncertainties, the «Symbiotic Coral Nurseries» project represents a profound exploration of the cultural and ecological connections between an indigenous craft tradition of the Mokaná group, with collaborators Ofelia and Jaime Torres from the village Paluato Atlántico and the local coral ecosystems. Moreover, it seeks to forge links between coastal communities from the village of Bocachica, with divers Laura Julio Racero and Javier Olmos, and marine restoration efforts. Considerations for sustainable tourism with Blue Apple Bay hotel added an economic dimension to the project’s long-term prospects.

Drawing from their collaboration and observed results, the Polynesian Biomimicry Institute (IPB) is developing further projects based on a new design and implemented methodology in Polynesia, La Réunion, and Cartagena to advance bio-based marine restoration methods, including the development and test of the initially envisioned «hybrid nursery models», while Rasa Weber continues her PhD project «SymbiOcean», focusing on designing prototypes and design anthropological analysis at the intersection of coastal communities, marine biology, and design in the creation of symbiotic marine habitat.

CREDITS: Photo: François Briant. Prototype for the hybrid model of the "Symbiotic Coral Nurseries" from natural fibre with Trumpetfish Aulostomus maculatus) and transplants of Madracis auretana.

CREDITS: Photo: François Briant. José Uparela with Biorock prototype of "Symbiotic Coral Nurseries" with conductive steel wire and coral transplants of Porites porites.

CREDITS: Photo: François Briant. José Uparela with prototype of "Symbiotic Coral Nurseries" from Bejuco fibre with transplants of Acropora cervicornis.

CREDITS: Photo: François Briant. Ofélia Torres teaches Rasa Weber how to splice Bejuco liana for weaving.

CREDITS: Photo: Rasa Weber. Ofélia Torres splicing Bejuco liana for weaving.

CREDITS: Photo: Rasa Weber. Hand-woven prototype from Bejuco for "Symbiotic Coral Nurseries" in front of banana leaves.

CREDITS: Photo: Rasa Weber. Hand of Jaime Torres showing seedling of Bejuco plant in his garden.

CREDITS: Photo: François Briant. Jaime Torres showing Bejuco Real plant in his garden.

CREDITS: Photo: François Briant. Andry Carrasquilla and Rasa Weber with inhabitants of village Paluato Atlántico doing design ethnographic interview with Jaime Torres.

CREDITS: Photo: François Briant. Jaime Torres in his garden.

Pilot Project: «Symbiotic Coral Nurseries.» 

Design & Research: Polynesian Biomimicry Institute (IPB) & design studio Rasa Weber. 

Project coordination: Rasa Weber & François Briant, CEO of IPB. 

Design: Andry Carrasquilla & Rasa Weber. 

Dive Coordination and Installation: José Uparela, CEO Paraiso Dive, paraisodive.org. 

Artisans: Jaime & Ofélia Torres & Ofélia Torres Jr. 

Locations: Village of Paluato Atlántico (COL)

                      Village of Bocachica (COL)

                      Cartagena (COL)

Marine Biology: Camilo Ulloa. 

Dive team: François Briant

                      Andry Carrasquilla

                      Carolina Gracia

                      Lourdes Alonso Sanchez

                      Javier Olmos

                      Luis Diego Pevet M

                      Laura Julio Racero

                      José Uparela

                      Rasa Weber. 

Date: January 2023 - March 2023.

PhD Project: «SymbiOcean». Funded by the Swiss National Science Fund research project:«Interfacing the Ocean». 

Hosting University:

Zurich University of the Arts (CH) &University of Art and Design Linz (AT). 

Photography: François Briant & Rasa Weber.

Camera: Rasa Weber.

Material: Bejuco Liana, Fiqué Fibre, Coconut Fibre, Steel wire for Biorock and «hybrid nursery models».

Grant Support: 

Traveling Grant of the University of Art and Design Linz (AT)
& Transdisciplinary Artistic (ZHdK)

Extended Collaborators:

Blue Apple Beach Resort - CEO Portia Hart

«Matters of Activity». Cluster of Excellence. Humboldt University of Berlin

Weaving technique: Jaime Torres

                                         Ofélia Torres

                                         Ofélia Torres Jr. 

Artisans from the Indigenous Group of the Mokaná at Paluato Atlantico

Rasa Weber rasaweber.com & Polynesian Institute of Biomimicry biomimetisme-polynesie.org © 2024. All rights reserved.

»Kiki« is the prototype of an artificial reef that provides a substrate and structure for pioneer organisms to form a habitat in the Mediterranean. It is based on the process mineral accretion in seawater by electrolysis, consists of conductive steel yarn and steel frames and is powered by a solar panel on land. During a six-month monitoring phase, the prototype was submerged in the bay of the marine biology research station STARESO - Station de Recherches Sous-marines et Océanographiques de Calvi in Corsica (FR).

_{CREDITS: Kiki reef prototype in STARESO. rasaweber.com. Photo: Stéphane Jamme, @stepp_aquanaute. Diver: Noemie Chabrier. Location: STARESO (FRR), 2023.}

The structure was created through the engagement of various participants who all contributed to its realization. At the pier of the scientific research station, marine biologists, divers, and even children were involved in weaving and assembling the large-scale prototype. The process could be described as a way of »weaving together« - as a shared co-design experience for the participants to literally weave together, but beyond that, the work interweaves the biological with the sociological dimension. After »Kiki’s« immersion in the bay, supported by a team of six divers and a boat, the structure was anchored at minus 10 meters and connected to a solar panel on land.

_{CREDITS: Kiki reef prototype in STARESO. rasaweber.com. Photo: Mathieu Kelhetter. Location: STARESO (FRR), 2023.}

We might ask: Can design play an active role in the origin of life and thus influence the evolutionary history of the sea itself?

In 1970, the architect and self-taught oceanographer Wolf Hilbertz developed the »Biorock« principle in collaboration with the biochemist Tom Goreau. The material technology activates the accretion of seawater minerals on steel structures through electrolysis. By placing a positive and a negative pole in marine environments under low voltage current (the prototype »Kiki« acts as the negative pole), the technology enables the accumulation of limestone on conductive steel structures. Limestone is an ideal substrate for marine organisms and is therefore often used in the restoration of coral reefs. Hilbertz also dealt with his technology on a theoretical level by repeatedly fantasizing about a cybernetic system and omnipotent role of the designer in his academic reflection – named »cybertecture«. The designer as helmsman (ancient Greek kybernetes = helmsman) suggests the vision of a human-made and controllable evolutionary history in which evolutionary events can be steered.

_{CREDITS: Kiki reef prototype in STARESO. rasaweber.com. Photo: Mathieu Kelhetter. Location: STARESO (FRR), 2023.}

The theory of symbiogenesis by Lynn Margulis forms an antithesis to the cybernetic model proposed by Hilbertz. The pioneering biologist Margulis, who has coined a completely new tradition of thinking about symbiotic relationships (in contrast to the neo-Darwinian idea of »survival of the fittest«), places the interdependence of all species at the center of her theory as an essential element of evolutionary history. 

From a design perspective, it therefore seems necessary to ask: How structured, chaotic, centralized or symbiotically interwoven can the design of habitats be?

_{CREDITS: Kiki reef prototype in STARESO. rasaweber.com. Photo: Mathieu Kelhetter. Divers: Noemie Chabrier, Anja Wegner, Rasa Weber, Mathieu Kelhetter. Location: STARESO (FRR), 2023.}

The »Biorock« technology remains controversial among marine biologists. Critical voices point to the accelerated growth of the corals due to the system and the resulting increased porosity of the coral bodies, which makes them less resistant to storms and anthropogenic influences. In addition, the system requires a large amount of hidden energy resources (constant 12 volts), which is particularly challenging for its deployment in countries of the Global South. The prototype serves as a tangible critical examination of the technology and the topos of human stewardship in the ocean. »Kiki« offers a vantage point on the phantasm of human hubris that suggests that the designer alone can create a controlled environment for the emergence of life.

_{CREDITS: Kiki reef prototype in STARESO. rasaweber.com. Photo: Stéphane Jamme, @stepp_aquanaute. Divers: Noemie Chabrier. Location: STARESO (FRR), 2023.}

»Kiki« remained in the Mediterranean for six months, slowly transforming into a habitat for various types of marine life. The prototype illustrates the collaboration with marine life, but also grapples with ocean forces, the seasons in the Mediterranean and significant time spans. In November 2023, »Kiki« was taken by a Corsican storm that tore the structure to pieces. The queer art of failure. To be continued.

Design & Research: Rasa Weber

Camera: Rasa Weber

Date: June 2023 - November 2023.

Location: STARESO - Station de Recherches Sous- marines et Océanographiques de Calvi, Corsica (FR)

Biorock technique: Thomas Goreau

                                        Wolf Hilbertz (1970)

Material: laser cut steel frames

                   conductive steel yarn

Divers: Noemi Chabrier

               Sylvain Coudray

               Arnaud Boulenger

               Sandra Bracun

               Stéphane Jamme

               Leonie John

               Michael Karle   

               Mathieu Kelhetter

               Michaela Roger   

               Bram van der Schoot                       

               Kelly Stiver

                Rasa Weber

                Anja Wegner

                Lena Wesenberg

                Aubin Woehrel

Collaborators: Jordan Lab - Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior

Zurich University of the Arts

Linz University of Art and Design

Matters of Activity - Cluster of Excellence. Humboldt University of Berlin

Anja Wegner (behavioral biologist Jordan Lab)

Internship:  Mathieu Kelhetter (Design Academy Eindhoven, NL)

Photographers: Noemi Chabrier

                                 Sandra Bracun

                                 Stéphane Jamme              

                                 Mathieu Kelhetter

                                 Michaela Roger                           

                                 Kelly Stiver

                                 Rasa Weber

                                 Aubin Woehrel

      
Sponsoring: Imattec, Bekaert, KiangFiber.

Grant Support:  Traveling Grant University of Art and Design Linz (AT)

PROCOPE (Government of France-Embassy of France in Germany/DAAD)

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