Internationally renowned German Design Council granted
Additionally, the Rhizolith Island project received a Merit Award at the American Institute of Architects New York Chapter (AIANY) 2017 Design Awards.
Envisioned by Cemex Global R&D in collaboration with APTUM Architecture and Syracuse University, Rhizolith Island is a floating, resilient coastal infrastructure that revitalises depleting mangrove forests along vulnerable shorelines subjected to coastal erosion.
It consists of a modular platform of elements that uses advanced Cemex high-strength, lightweight, permeable, and high-ductility concrete technologies to strengthen the ecological performance of the island as a breakwater and reinforces the appreciation of ecologies that surround and protect communities.
“We are honoured to receive the recognition of two renowned international institutions. These awards reinforce the importance of adopting a holistic approach that encompasses materiality, innovative fabrication technique, and design in the development of a solution for critical urbanization challenges,” says Davide Zampini, Head of Cemex Global R&D.
“With Rhizolith Island, we applied novel design approaches to create a resilient concrete infrastructure that works for nature, rather than against it, creating and strengthening our relationship with it.”
Bestowed by one of the world’s leading design institutions, the German Design Council, the German Design Award recognises projects that truly present pioneering contributions to the international design landscape.
With a jury composed of an exclusive network of members in the areas of business, design, branding, trade, industrial institutions, and associations, the German Design Council upholds the tradition of awarding projects and companies committed to design concepts capable of creating cultural and economic value.
