March
15
The RCA Grand Challenge 2023/24: ‘Ocean & Cities’ Shortlist Revealed – A Deep Dive into Innovative Designs
The Royal College of Art (RCA) has unveiled an exciting shortlist for its 2023/24 Grand Challenge themed ‘Ocean & Cities’, highlighting the ingenious blend of creativity and sustainability as students tackle the intricate relationship between urban environments and ocean health. Here’s a closer look at five standout projects from this pioneering initiative.
1. HabiTide: A Sustainable Rebuild of Fish Habitats
In an innovative response to the accidental damage to Deptford Creek’s fish population, the HabiTide team proposes 3D-printed biodegradable structures to rebuild fish habitats. Utilizing fish bones, sodium alginate, and clay, these structures not only provide refuge for migratory freshwater fish but also raise awareness about the creek’s ecological significance and the broader challenge of rising sea levels.
2. Rhythm of the River: Connecting Communities to Natural Cycles
The Rhythm of the River project seeks to mend the disconnection between humans and the natural rhythms of the environment. By introducing an intertidal riverfront area along the Thames that opens only at low tide, the project encourages the community to adapt to nature’s schedule. A tidal clock artwork enhances this connection, fostering a deeper understanding and respect for the river’s natural pulse.
3. Sift: A Kitchen Solution to Fatberg Problems
Targeting the issue of fatbergs in London’s sewage systems, Sift reinvents the kitchen washing bowl with a sustainable twist. By incorporating a naturally oleophilic filter made from waste coconut husk fibre, the project aims to capture FOG (fat, oil, and grease) at its source, preventing sewer blockages and promoting a cycle of reuse as biofuel.
4. Alluvium Dice: Supporting Ecosystems with Co-Designed Solutions
The Alluvium Dice project showcases a co-design approach that extends beyond human needs to consider wildlife, particularly beavers, in the London Borough of Ealing. These modular elements facilitate the creation of beaver dams, channels, and lodges, aiding fish migration, waste collection, and biodiversity through community engagement and education.
5. Aquatic Ecologist Scout Pack: Enhancing Ocean Literacy Among Scouts
Aiming to bolster ocean literacy and environmental stewardship, the Aquatic Ecologist Scout Pack introduces a comprehensive program of activities and badges focused on aquatic ecology. This innovative resource empowers scouts to engage in meaningful, hands-on conservation efforts, fostering a lifelong appreciation for our oceans and their preservation.
The RCA Grand Challenge 2023/24 not only showcases the potential of interdisciplinary collaboration to address pressing environmental issues but also reinforces the vital role of design in fostering sustainable communities and ecosystems. With the exhibition set to open in March, these projects offer a glimpse into the future of design-led environmental solutions.