Functional Conception of Biomimetic Artificial Reefs Using Parametric Design and Modular Construction

Abstract

Artificial reefs featuring different shapes and functions have been deployed around the world, causing impacts on marine ecosystems. However, the approaches typically used to deliver topological complexity, flexibility and expanding requirements to prospective structures during the initial design stages are not well established. The aim of this study was to highlight the advantages and provide evidence on how modularity and parametric design can holistically leverage the performance of multifunctional artificial reefs (MFARs). In particular, the goal was to develop a parametric design for MFAR and establish a direct relationship between specific design parameters and the MFAR target functions or design requirements. The idea of implementing the parametric design for generating the initial biomimetic geometry of the individual modular unit was explored. Furthermore, possible ways of manipulating the geometric parameters of the individual module and the whole assembly were proposed. The findings suggest that, by adopting the developed procedure and the examples studied, several functions may be reached within a single assembly: the promotion of marine biodiversity restoration, the support of scientific platforms with various sensors, as well as the development of recreational diving and of touristic attraction areas. Acquired knowledge suggests that the concept of a nature-like design approach was developed for artificial reefs with varying scales, complexity and functions, which widens the range of possibilities of how smart design of human-made underwater structures may contribute to benefiting the near shore ecosystems.