The first underwater sculpture park in Miami Beach.

OMA and Shohei Shigematsu revealed plans to design an 11.2-kilometer-long underwater public sculpture park at Miami Beach and a man-made reef in Florida, in collaboration with Ximena Caminos and BlurLab Preservation Society – a project working to conserve marine life and improve Miami's coastal resilience. ReffLine is expected to include snorkeling trails and a man-made reef off the coast of Miami.

According to the outline, the large-scale environmental public art project is being conceived by Ximena Caminos, who will serve as the project's art director. Alongside investors, ReffLine will be planned with a master design in collaboration with marine biologists, researchers, architects, and coastal engineers, aiming to become a vital habitat for endangered coral reef species, promote biodiversity, and enhance coastal resilience.

The ReffLine will be constructed using a series of geometrically specific modular units that are deployed and stacked according to the seabed topography.

Shohei Shigematsu, a partner at OMA, said, “We are delighted to once again partner with Ximena on this project that combines culture and community. ReffLine is a project that draws attention to and mitigates the risks of climate change in Miami while enriching the city’s vibrant art scene. We look forward to working with many expert teams on our first cultural master plan and underwater sculpture project.”

Additionally, the idea is also expressed by stacking artificial coral blocks in a circle, forming a coral island with a series of spiral staircases creating a three-dimensional structure, reminiscent of a futuristic paradise teeming with marine life.

The ReffLine Park project is planned to be built in seven phases, with the first phase potentially completed in December 2021. It will be an ideal habitat for marine life, and the materials used in its construction will be approved. According to the team, the initial materials will include concrete and limestone because they are chemically similar to the substrates found in natural coral reefs. This will be a major attraction for eco-tourists and art lovers in Miami.

Huong Thao