Egyptian Architects Win 2024 International Skyscraper Competition

Imagine an extendable skyscraper submerged beneath the ocean, consisting of smaller sphere-like segments that absorb all negative CO2 and nurture a wide variety of coral species. This is the Egyptian-designed ‘Ocean Lungs Skyscraper,’ which has been named the third place winner at the renowned Evolo magazine 2024 Skyscraper Competition. 

Evolo is an architecture and design journal focused on technological advances, sustainability, and innovative design for the 21st Century. Established in 2006, the annual Skyscraper Competition is one of the world’s most prestigious awards for high-rise architecture, recognizing outstanding ideas that redefine skyscraper design. 

Standing out with its innovative eco-conscious concept and design, the Ocean Lungs Skyscraper was created by a team of ten Egyptian architects and engineers: Mohamed Noeman Coutry, AbdelRahman Mahmoud Badawy, Toka Hassan Taman, Amr Khaled Mahmoud AbdElsstar, Hend Mahmoud Hassan Rashad, Menna Tallah Mahmoud Fouad, Mohamed Mahfouz Abdelaziz Abdelwadoud, Nagwa Khaled Mohamed Mohamed, Norhan Mohammed Abdel-Hamid Abdel-monem, Omar Ahmed Salah Mohamed.

The threat of ocean acidification is real, exacerbated by human actions as atmospheric CO2 levels rise, increasing carbon dioxide absorption by the ocean. This threatens marine life and hinders coral skeleton growth. Ocean Lungs employs specialised innovative techniques to address these challenges. This project proposes a 1-kilometre-deep underwater skyscraper resembling a vertical chain of sphere-shaped expandable segments. It is designed with a specialised, high-performance, microporous sulfonated polyphenylsulfone (sPPS) membrane that filters excess CO2 in the ocean, allowing it to pass through while remaining impermeable to salt and other minerals, thereby functioning as an ocean purifier. 

Another integral feature of the design is its core structure, made from eco-friendly concrete infused with aragonite, a key component of coral skeletons. This foundation nurtures a diverse array of coral species, replicating the structural complexity and biodiversity of natural reefs. 

The upper portion of the Ocean Lungs employs materials that serve dual purposes. High-efficiency photovoltaic cells clad the upper segment, harnessing solar energy. Additionally, renewable energy sources such as tidal and ocean thermal conversion power the project, ensuring a clean and self-sustaining system with a minimal ecological footprint. 

The designed sanctuary provides a haven for diverse marine life and encourages the growth of resilient coral types, thereby enhancing the ecological resilience of marine habitats and fostering a thriving ecosystem within the project itself. 

As a symbolic representation of commitment to scientific exploration and understanding, the tower serves as a platform for continuous monitoring of the marine ecosystem. It is designed to potentially grant researchers unprecedented access to real-time data on water quality, marine behaviour, and the health of the artificial reef.

This innovative approach meets conservation, breathing life back into the oceans. Through its visionary design, the designers aim to inspire a future where human intervention actively contributes to the healing and thriving of marine ecosystems.

Photography Credit: eVolo 2024 Skyscraper Competition