Name: Gaspard Marteau
Track: Architecture
Studio: Architectural Engineering
Year: MSc3/4 / 2025
Type: Graduation Project
Tutor: Dafne Swank, Paddy Tomesen, Mo Smit
Description:
Urban industrial waterfronts are undergoing major transformations as cities densify. "From Water to Structure” explores a new regenerative design framework to reverse the ecological degradation of industrial ports. Set in Amsterdam’s Haven-Stad, the project proposes a floating culture hub built from locally sourced, bio-based materials such as reed, willow, alder, eelgrass, and seaweed, grown on floating ecosystem islands. These islands filter water, create habitats for biodiversity and absorb CO2, while supplying renewable building materials. Plant cultivation cycles are directly linked to the lifespan of building components to meet replacement needs through a parametric tool. The architectural system is modular, adaptable and fully disassemblable, to enable efficient construction, maintenance and replacement. A community-led process engages the district’s inhabitants in material cultivation, harvesting, storage and the prefabrication of building elements.