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![Accumulation of salt on modules provides shade for both seasonal waterbodies and locals. Arrangement of modules creates interior spaces that cater to both community and regional activities.]()
![Globally, 70% of freshwater depletion is caused by agriculture cultivation. Kazakhstan is one of major global exporters of agricultural production, leading to the Aral Sea Crisis.]()
![Site selection is derived through overlaying data on water transition, soil salinity, wind direction and biodiversity.]()
![Site selection is derived through overlaying data on water transition, soil salinity, wind direction and biodiversity.]()
![Shortest walk and sphere packing algorithms are used to simulate the growth of salt in both cubic and tensile form to explore structural application.]()
![AI tools are used to visualise the appearance of salt structures in the desert landscape.]()
![The catalogue shows different weaving densities and angle of frames for module. The variation of both elements changes the density and amount of salt crystallisation. The modules are then aggregated to form complex structures.]()
![Salt formation that is filtered from the wind appears as surface powder while saline water evaporation leads to crystallisation. Salt accumulated can then be removed and modules reused.]()
![Salt formation that is filtered from the wind appears as surface powder while saline water evaporation leads to crystallization. Salt accumulated can then be removed and modules reused.]()
![Enhances the duration of seasonal waters that can then be used for activities such as fishery and brine shrimp farming. Structure creates shade that enhances environmental situation in the long term.]()
![Structure is constructed from linking modules that takes on a seamless organic shape with voids for ventilation and cooling of interior spaces.]()
![The expansion of salt streaks connects with other areas of the site over time, creating spaces for water retention and restoration of greenery.]()
Vanishing Sea
Project details
Programme
Cluster
RC16
Year
1
Once a vast expanse between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, the Aral Sea was the fourth-largest inland sea on Earth, a living horizon where water met sky. Today, it is a place of absence: a plain of salt and wind where stranded vessels rest on dry ground and the air holds the trace of vanished water.
The project explores how environmental decline becomes the foundation for renewal. Salt plays an active part in shaping ecological futures where the cracked seabed becomes a working surface for salt crystallisation into structures and preservation of seasonal water for biodiversity revival. The project explores the interaction of salt and fibre through woven modules which are aggregated into adaptive structures that are dispersed into a network over what remains, allowing the environment itself to drive its adaptive recovery in cooperation with machines and human intelligence.
Students
- Janelle Amanjol Year 1
- Patcharasiya Kamphusan Year 1
- Si Qi (Si Qi) Zhen Year 1
Overview of Vanishing Sea
Vanishing Sea in Kazakhstan explores how salt serves as an agent for shaping environmental revival through interactions with ecology and hydrology, aided by computational design.
Salt Structures
Accumulation of salt on modules provides shade for both seasonal waterbodies and locals. Arrangement of modules creates interior spaces that cater to both community and regional activities.
01
Global and Historical Context
World Water Crisis
World Water Crisis
Lakes worldwide are drying up, often linked to agricultural water overconsumption, exacerbated by human activities and climate change.
Agriculture Water Consumption
Globally, 70% of freshwater depletion is caused by agriculture cultivation. Kazakhstan is one of major global exporters of agricultural production, leading to the Aral Sea Crisis.
Data Analysis
Site selection is derived through overlaying data on water transition, soil salinity, wind direction and biodiversity.
02
Site Selection
Data Analysis
Site selection is derived through overlaying data on water transition, soil salinity, wind direction and biodiversity.
03
Material Experiments (Micro)
Salt Material Properties
Salt Material Properties
The experiments aim to understand the properties of salt and its interaction with fibrous materials. Digital simulation and AI tools are used to visualise the materials at both modular and architectural scale.
Digital Simulation
Shortest walk and sphere packing algorithms are used to simulate the growth of salt in both cubic and tensile form to explore structural application.
Salt Structure
AI tools are used to visualise the appearance of salt structures in the desert landscape.
Modular Catalogue
The catalogue shows different weaving densities and angle of frames for module. The variation of both elements changes the density and amount of salt crystallisation. The modules are then aggregated to form complex structures.
Phases of Salt Formation
Salt formation that is filtered from the wind appears as surface powder while saline water evaporation leads to crystallisation. Salt accumulated can then be removed and modules reused.
Phases of salt formation
Salt formation that is filtered from the wind appears as surface powder while saline water evaporation leads to crystallization. Salt accumulated can then be removed and modules reused.
04
Design Development (Meso)
Isometric and Section
Isometric and Section
The structure enables both human and non-human interactions through creating spaces for organisms to thrive. The section shows the varied activities under the dune form and changes in weaving densities.
Salt Shelter
Enhances the duration of seasonal waters that can then be used for activities such as fishery and brine shrimp farming. Structure creates shade that enhances environmental situation in the long term.
Organic Form
Structure is constructed from linking modules that takes on a seamless organic shape with voids for ventilation and cooling of interior spaces.
Site and Regional Development
Site and Regional Development
Using digital simulation, the structure moves and changes with seasons. The shortest walk algorithm in combination with AI tools are used to formulate an interconnected system that revitalises the barren landscape.
Site Development
The expansion of salt streaks connects with other areas of the site over time, creating spaces for water retention and restoration of greenery.
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Autumn Show 2025
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