Urban Reef: 3D-Printed Coral Reefs for Cities

Rotterdam-based startup Urban Reef, founded in 2021 by concept designer Pierre Oskam and computational designer and researcher Max Latour, develops 3D-printed structures called Reefs that mimic natural coral reefs to create habitats for spontaneous vegetation and wildlife in urban environments. The structures, made from compostable materials such as mycelium, bacteria, and clay, are generated by natural algorithms. They include Rain Reef, Tidal Reef, and Zoo Reef, each designed for specific urban or non-urban spaces. These porous, labyrinthine structures retain rainwater, create microclimates, and support multi-species coexistence. The founders aim to challenge the human-nature relationship in cities, promoting reciprocal exchange. The project is still in a primitive phase, with goals to scale production and make it adaptable to any climate. Urban Reef is funded by government grants and is open to collaborations with experts from diverse technical fields. The founders hope to produce a fully sustainable prototype and see positive effects on people.