Ocean of the future: Artificial reefs save our seas!

Ocean of the future: Artificial reefs save our seas!

On April 29, 2025, the re:future lab in Berlin-Oberschöneweide will open its doors for the extraordinary exhibition “What if the Ocean Were a City?” by the designer Rasa Weber. This exhibition is part of the _matter Festival 2025, which is organized by the Cluster of Excellence “Matters of Activity” at the Humboldt University of Berlin. The focus is on symbiotic co-design between humans, corals and aquatic animals. The show takes place in the waters of the Spree, whose ecosystem has been significantly changed by human activity since the 13th century.

The Spree is also contaminated with various pollutants, including drug residues and heavy metals such as zinc, copper and mercury. Despite these adverse conditions, the river is home to 31 species of fish as well as millions of mussels and algae. Invasive species have also taken hold. In order to revitalize the marine ecosystem of the Spree, the “Syntopolis” project will be presented as part of the exhibition. Designed to create a new ecological habitat, this artificial reef is being built in collaboration with local artisans.

Art and science combined

Streaming video images of the reef into the exhibition space creates an immersive experience that highlights both the artistic and scientific aspects of the project. The exhibition is open daily from May 3rd to 6th, 2025 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., with a vernissage on May 2nd from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Joint events will be offered on May 3rd, including an Experimental Design Workshop with Rasa Weber and Marie Drouet as well as interactive tours. These tours are scheduled for 2, 3 and 4 p.m. There is also a three-part boat trip from Berlin-Mitte to Oberschöneweide, which includes different times on the same day.

The role of artificial reefs

Artificial reefs represent a promising approach to preserving threatened marine ecosystems. Scientists are researching the extent to which artificial structures made of concrete or other materials are able to replicate natural reefs. They attract fish and provide complex habitats with crevices, tunnels and hiding places for various species. Despite the lack of clarity as to whether these reefs attract wildlife or create new communities, there is a glimmer of hope for the conservation of marine biodiversity.

An analysis has found that artificial reefs in the tropics do not yet perform the same functions as natural reefs, but progress has been made. It is critical that these man-made structures be able to process nutrients quickly and keep them low to support productive ecosystems. Artificial reefs could therefore represent a valuable alternative for supporting marine biodiversity, especially given the impending threats to natural reefs.

As part of the _matter Festival 2025, not only will the understanding of materials as active, historical substances be questioned, but the connection between science and art will also be promoted. For further information, interested parties can contact Antje Nestler, Public Relations & Science Communication.

The website is also available for the festival Humboldt University of Berlin and provides up-to-date information on all events, including accompanying programs related to the topics of art and the environment.

By combining art, environmental awareness and interactive elements, the exhibition enables a unique understanding of the challenges and solutions important in today's marine ecology.

In summary, the exhibition is an exciting place where not only art, but also the scientific discussion of the issues of the environment and ocean protection play a central role. Further details about the various events and ways to participate are available on the GWF water Find website.