Aya Al Homsi, Margaréta Štyráková | REEFSEARCH

Offshore oil platforms, once symbols of industrial power and environmental exploitation, have now become fascinating case studies. These massive steel and concrete structures, abandoned to rust and decay, evoke a strange beauty—monolithic relics of a past era overtaken by nature. They stand in the sea like artificial islands, caught between obsolescence and potential.
What makes these structures particularly compelling is their unexpected transformation. Beneath the surface, they’ve become thriving ecosystems, functioning as artificial reefs that support diverse marine life. This unplanned shift challenges us.
In the northern Adriatic Sea, off the coast of Italy, these platforms offer a unique opportunity for architectural experimentation. In our project, we focused on the coral reef aspect, designing spaces that not only protect and enhance marine biodiversity but also serve as a hub for coral reef restoration and research. This approach seeks to blend ecological restoration giving these forgotten giants a new purpose rooted in environmental stewardship.