The architecture and design company Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) worked with the Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks Corporation (HKStP) and D-shape to present projects at the World Design Congress (WDC) 2025, which highlights 3D printing as an instrument for environmental and architectural innovations. The company presented 3D printing applications in the restoration of the sea ecosystem, in the urban infrastructure and in construction and shows how it can support sustainability and ecological adaptation.
Nereid: 3D printed habitat for the restoration of the sea in Hong Kong
A central focus of Zha's presentation was Nereid, a digitally manufactured sea room for the North Lantau Marine Park in Hong Kong. Nereid was sponsored by HKStP and was developed using the large-scale 3D printing technology from D-shape. The process uses pH-neutral concrete with low-carbon carbon to generate biomimetic reef structures with textures and porosity that imitate natural benthic systems, including seaweed forests.
“The cooperation underlines the visionary design by Zaha Hadid Architects, the ingenuity of D-shape and our commitment to innovative solutions to environmental problems. We are thrilled that Nereid is presented at the World Design Congress and demonstrates the power of Hong Kongs I&T on the world stage,” said Hilda Chan, Chief Marketing Officer from HKStp.
Envy was developed with the marine physiologist and toxicologist Professor James Fang from Polytechnic University in Hong Kong and aims to alleviate the loss of biodiversity in connection with climate change, urbanization, land maintenance and pollution. Its design promotes the growth of phytoplankton and anti -filter shellfish, basic species in the marine food chain. It also acts as an obstacle to destructive fishing practices such as writing soil.
Mario Nuzzolese, director of D-Shape, said: “Nereid shows that large 3D printing can support the regeneration of marine ecosystems. By opening our technology for partners, we transform courageous ideas into habitats in which nature and innovation thrive.” The design director of ZHA, Christos Passas, added: “This prototype is part of a more comprehensive approach that, in cooperation with partners in innovative technologies for researching initiatives and progress initiatives that improve environmental care, part of a more comprehensive approach that is necessary to support local ecosystems.”
Global applications of 3D printing in restoring the sea reproduction
Zha's work is part of a more comprehensive trend that examines the 3D printing for the restoration of sea restorations worldwide. In Aqaba, Jordan, a new coral reef initiative combines large 3D printing with marine biology to counteract the coral decline. Under the direction of the Hashemite Kingdom Jordan and the Aqaba Development Corporation (ADC), the project includes the Naval Science company Voyacy Regen and Infrastructure Company Spronra to design 3D -printed concrete reef structures that support coral growth. The initiative corresponds to the goals of the sustainable development of Jordan and the accident of the UN decades to restore ecosystems.
Development studies elsewhere also underline the effectiveness of 3D printed reef structures. A study by the University of Delaware showed that Damelfish and coral larvae with printed cracks interacted similarly to the natural corals and supported the livelihood of such restoration methods. Researchers at Bar-Ilan University, Technion, University of Haifa and Tel Aviv University also worked together to develop a 3D-printed ceramic reef that aims to support the life of the sea and restore reef ecosystems. By combining 3D scanning, environmental DNA analyzes and algorithm-controlled printing, the team created a structure that maintains the biological diversity and promotes natural re-growing.
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The photo shown shows Nereid, a digitally produced marine habitat. Image about Zaha Hadid Architects.