Beth O’Sullivan

Reefinity is an interdisciplinary research project investigating material science (ceramic technology), ecology, digital design, and manufacturing. Through rethinking the relationship between these fields, Reefinity aims to support marine biology research by focusing on the needs of corals (and coral polyps), such as the composition and topographies of the material they settle on. Computational design and 3D-printing (digital fabrication) was explored alongside more traditional ceramic forming technologies to investigate ways that digital design approaches could enhance data collection from settlement forms used in the research process. A proof-of-concept design model and prototypes are presented, ideal for up-scaling and for further exploration in the laboratory and field.