A SHELL OF A GOOD TIME: A Design Framework for Oyster Sanctuaries and Playful Spaces

Fall 2023
Masters of Architecture Thesis
Harvard Graduate School of Design
Advisor: Andrew Witt

Oysters play a crucial role in maintaining healthy marine ecosystems through their ability to filter water and provide habitat for various species. The Billion Oyster Project, a New York-based initiative, has been working tirelessly to educate the public about the importance of oysters and restore their populations in the waters around the city. This project combines education and restoration efforts, with a mission to engage both marine life and people in a symbiotic relationship. The central inquiry of this architectural thesis is: How do we design spaces that harmoniously coexist with marine life and serve as recreational and educational resources for the public? In the context of contemporary discourse, this research question addresses critical issues of marine conservation, urban environmental reclamation, and flood protection, as well as modular design and fabrication. The rapid depletion of oyster populations, the reclamation of post-industrial waste sites, and the need for resilient coastal infrastructure have become pressing concerns. By exploring a novel approach that integrates oyster restoration, public engagement, and architectural design, this thesis aims to bridge the existing gaps in these crucial domains. This thesis envisions the creation of an educational and recreational park for the Billion Oyster Project using modular forms inspired by existing wave dissipation blocks. While providing oysters with a habitat to thrive and filter the surrounding water of what was historically an industrial waste dumping site, the modularity also considers replicability and fabrication, as issues of marine conservation and coastal resilience are not endemic to only New York City. The park not only contributes to oyster restoration but also offers a unique platform for public education and recreation. The project postulates that architecture can be a catalyst for the synergy between human and marine life. The outcomes of this research project provide a conceptual framework for future urban waterfront development that can balance the needs of marine ecosystems and human communities.