Miami Reef Star Installation: A Hybrid Coral Reef Concept for the Future
In collaboration with architect Alberto Latorre, artist Carlos Betancourt has installed a series of 3D-printed stars along the shore of Miami Beach for Miami Art Week. These models are prototypes of structures that will eventually be submerged underwater to act as a “hybrid coral reef.” This installation is part of the larger ReefLine project, which aims to create a 15-acre underwater sculpture park to replace marine environments lost to climate change.
ReefLine: A Vision for the Future of Miami’s Marine Ecosystem
Miami Reef Star is a key component of ReefLine, a multi-phase initiative master-planned by OMA and led by Ximena Caminos. This underwater sculpture park will feature environmentally functional artworks designed to support marine biodiversity. The structures will be placed 15-20 feet (4.5 to 6 meters) underwater, within swimming distance of the shore, offering the public a unique opportunity to engage with both the art and the surrounding marine environment. These hybrid coral reefs will not only act as artworks but will also help to restore ecosystems that have been impacted by climate change.
Design and Concept of the Miami Reef Star Installation
The installation consists of 46 star-shaped modules arranged in a larger star formation, designed by Betancourt and Latorre. The modules are made of 3D-printed materials and range in design, some resembling starfish and others incorporating floral motifs. The pieces will be submerged as part of ReefLine, and for the Miami Art Week debut, they were illuminated to create a striking visual display on the beach at Mid-Beach. Each module features openings and holes to allow marine life to inhabit them once they are submerged.
Materials and Future Plans for the ReefLine Installation
The Miami Reef Star installation, like other pieces in the ReefLine project, will likely be made from CarbonXinc, a material developed by artist Petroc Sesti. CarbonXinc is a zero-cement geopolymer concrete that captures and stores carbon dioxide indefinitely. This material will be used to create long-lasting installations that not only enhance marine biodiversity but also contribute to climate change mitigation.
Photos: Ilai Belaustegui and Ben Dreith
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