Eco-Engineering
Eco-engineering solutions using Design Thinking Process
Task: Investigate the range of issues impacting our coasts, harbours and rivers and explore how eco-engineering can solve some of these issues.
Follow the Design Thinking Process to:
Task: Investigate the range of issues impacting our coasts, harbours and rivers and explore how eco-engineering can solve some of these issues.
Follow the Design Thinking Process to:
- Empathise: Identify the range of issues impacting on coasts, harbour and rivers, e.g. flood mitigation, sea level rise, biodiversity loss, habitat loss
- Define: Choose one issue related to coasts, harbour or rivers that you can develop an actionable solution for.
- Ideate: Consider different solutions. Design a product or structure that addresses the impacts of one of the issues identified.
- Prototype: Develop solutions using CAD and 3D Printing. You must design at least one item in CAD for the purpose of prototyping, and 3D print it.
- Test: Determine whether the prototypes address the problem.
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The Design Thinking Process: Empathising Defining Ideating Prototyping Testing |
Photo by Alex Goad / Reef Design Lab. Used with permission.
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Empathise: Identify the range of issues impacting on coasts, harbour and rivers, e.g. flood mitigation, sea level rise, biodiversity loss, habitat loss.
Stakeholder mapping:
In groups, create a mind map of the different stakeholders involved in use an management of rivers, harbours, coasts.
Empathy Interviews (or video):
Interview a local expert (coastal engineer, ranger, councillor), or watch a video to gain an understanding of different perspectives on issues and management of rivers, harbours and coasts.
Student reflection:
Which issue do I feel most connected to, and why?
Stakeholder mapping:
In groups, create a mind map of the different stakeholders involved in use an management of rivers, harbours, coasts.
Empathy Interviews (or video):
Interview a local expert (coastal engineer, ranger, councillor), or watch a video to gain an understanding of different perspectives on issues and management of rivers, harbours and coasts.
Student reflection:
Which issue do I feel most connected to, and why?
Define: Choose one issue related to coasts, harbours or rivers that you can develop an actionable solution for.
Students choose one issue from Lesson 1 and justify why it matters.
Priority Rubric:
Use the rubric to narrow down the issues you have researched to choose a single focus area.
Impacts: How big is the problem’s effect on ecosystems, people, and local environments? (Major harm - 5, Minor harm - 1)
Feasibility: Can a student realistically design a small-scale eco-engineering solution for this issue? (Easy to explore - 5, Difficult to explore - 1)
Time: Can the issue be meaningfully addressed within the school term using CAD + 3D printing? (Quick prototyping - 5, Long-term/Multi phase prototyping - 1)
Resources: Can the solution be explored with available tools (CAD, 3D printers, simple materials, classroom equipment)? (Simple and achievable - 5, Expensive/requires specialist equipment - 1)
Identify a key problem
State the issue → "There is a problem with erosion along riverbanks."
Identify the core need → "We need a way to reduce erosion and stabilise banks."
Turn it into "How Might We" question → “How might we reduce erosion along riverbanks in ways that support both stability and ecological health?”
Use the following structure to identify a key problem to solve.
How might we improve/support/reduce/increase __________ for __________ so that __________?
Examples:
How might we reduce sediment loss for riverbank ecosystems so that fish and plant species can recover?
How might we create microhabitats in marina environments that increase biodiversity without interfering with boats?
How might we design low-cost structures that slow or redirect floodwater during storm surges?
How might we design structures that naturally filter or trap pollutants entering rivers?
Students choose one issue from Lesson 1 and justify why it matters.
Priority Rubric:
Use the rubric to narrow down the issues you have researched to choose a single focus area.
Impacts: How big is the problem’s effect on ecosystems, people, and local environments? (Major harm - 5, Minor harm - 1)
Feasibility: Can a student realistically design a small-scale eco-engineering solution for this issue? (Easy to explore - 5, Difficult to explore - 1)
Time: Can the issue be meaningfully addressed within the school term using CAD + 3D printing? (Quick prototyping - 5, Long-term/Multi phase prototyping - 1)
Resources: Can the solution be explored with available tools (CAD, 3D printers, simple materials, classroom equipment)? (Simple and achievable - 5, Expensive/requires specialist equipment - 1)
Identify a key problem
State the issue → "There is a problem with erosion along riverbanks."
Identify the core need → "We need a way to reduce erosion and stabilise banks."
Turn it into "How Might We" question → “How might we reduce erosion along riverbanks in ways that support both stability and ecological health?”
Use the following structure to identify a key problem to solve.
How might we improve/support/reduce/increase __________ for __________ so that __________?
Examples:
How might we reduce sediment loss for riverbank ecosystems so that fish and plant species can recover?
How might we create microhabitats in marina environments that increase biodiversity without interfering with boats?
How might we design low-cost structures that slow or redirect floodwater during storm surges?
How might we design structures that naturally filter or trap pollutants entering rivers?
Ideate: Consider different solutions. Design a product or structure that addresses the impacts of one of the issues identified.
Reef Design Lab Exploration
Explore the Reef Design Lab website and investigate solutions such as:
Document anything that inspires you: shapes, materials, functions.
Brainstorming and sketching
In a group, brainstorm as many ideas as you can that address your key problem.
Rapid sketching - On a large piece of paper, sketch 10 ideas in 10 minutes.
Biomimicry
Look at natural models: mangrove roots, coral structures, oysters, sea sponges.
Sketch a solution inspired by natural forms.
Choose a solution
Choose one design from the collection of ideas.
Reef Design Lab Exploration
Explore the Reef Design Lab website and investigate solutions such as:
- Modular reef units
- Living Seawalls
- Wave-damping structures
- 3D-printed reef panels
Document anything that inspires you: shapes, materials, functions.
Brainstorming and sketching
In a group, brainstorm as many ideas as you can that address your key problem.
Rapid sketching - On a large piece of paper, sketch 10 ideas in 10 minutes.
Biomimicry
Look at natural models: mangrove roots, coral structures, oysters, sea sponges.
Sketch a solution inspired by natural forms.
Choose a solution
Choose one design from the collection of ideas.
Prototype: Develop solutions using CAD and 3D Printing. You must design at least one item in CAD for the purpose of prototyping, and 3D print it.
Use CAD software to model your marine eco-engineering structure.
Prepare for 3D Printing
Export as STL.
Slice in Cura or PrusaSlicer.
Adjust infill, supports, resolution.
Use CAD software to model your marine eco-engineering structure.
Prepare for 3D Printing
Export as STL.
Slice in Cura or PrusaSlicer.
Adjust infill, supports, resolution.
Test: Determine whether the prototypes address the problem.
Test Scenarios
Evaluate your solution
Score your prototype for:
Iteration Plan
What parts of your solution were successful/unsuccessful?
What changes could be made to improve your solution?
Test Scenarios
- For water-flow structures: use a water tank or tub to test stability and flow patterns.
- For habitat designs: evaluate surface complexity, hiding spaces, attachment points.
- For erosion-mitigation designs: simulate wave action with small waves or water jets.
Evaluate your solution
Score your prototype for:
- Functionality
- Durability
- Environmental compatibility
- Feasibility for real-world scaling
Iteration Plan
What parts of your solution were successful/unsuccessful?
What changes could be made to improve your solution?
Questions
- Identify and describe one of Reef Design Lab’s specific products or systems (for example the “MARS” modular reef structure). How does this product aim to address environmental issues?
- What is the mission of Reef Design Lab, and how do they combine design, engineering and ecology in their work?
- Describe how Reef Design Lab's work addresses some of the issues identifies above (flood mitigation, sea level rise, biodiversity loss, habitat loss)
- The Design Thinking Process in the outline includes: Empathising, Defining, Ideating, Prototyping, Testing. Pick one of RDL’s case studies and map how they might have followed these steps.
- Reef Design Lab uses advanced fabrication methods (including large-format 3D printing, mould making, casting) in their marine habitat infrastructure. What are the potential advantages and challenges of using such fabrication techniques in marine environments?
- Reef Design Lab emphasises the need for collaboration between designers, scientists and community. Why is this interdisciplinary and community-engaged approach important when designing marine habitat infrastructure?
- How does Reef Design Lab’s work help with climate adaptation on coastal zones?
Key concepts
Eco-engineering: The practice of designing and building structures or systems that work with nature, not against it—using natural processes to solve environmental problems.
Ecosystem services: The benefits humans get from nature, such as clean air and water, food, pollination, flood protection, and places for recreation.
Nature based solutions: Actions that use natural systems—like wetlands, reefs, or mangroves—to address environmental challenges such as flooding, erosion, or climate change.
Green infrastructure: A network of natural or semi-natural features (parks, green roofs, wetlands, rain gardens) that help manage water, improve air quality, and support wildlife in built environments.
Bioengineering: Using living organisms (plants, microbes, animals) in engineering projects. In environmental work, this often means using plants or natural materials to stabilise soil, reduce erosion, or improve habitats.
Biodiversity: The variety of living things in an area, including different species of plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms, and the ecosystems they form.
Habitat restoration: The process of repairing or rebuilding damaged natural environments so they can support healthy ecosystems again.
Climate Adaptation: Actions taken to adjust to the current and future impacts of climate change—such as building flood-resistant structures, restoring wetlands, or designing heat-resilient cities.
Reclamation: The process of creating new land from the sea, wetlands, or other water bodies—often by filling in areas to make usable land.
Seawalls: Hard, vertical or sloped structures built along coastlines to protect land from waves, erosion, and flooding.
Wharves: Structures built on or over the water where ships can dock, load, and unload goods or passengers.
Pontoons: Floating platforms anchored to the seabed, used as docks, walkways, or foundations for structures on the water.
Eco-engineering: The practice of designing and building structures or systems that work with nature, not against it—using natural processes to solve environmental problems.
Ecosystem services: The benefits humans get from nature, such as clean air and water, food, pollination, flood protection, and places for recreation.
Nature based solutions: Actions that use natural systems—like wetlands, reefs, or mangroves—to address environmental challenges such as flooding, erosion, or climate change.
Green infrastructure: A network of natural or semi-natural features (parks, green roofs, wetlands, rain gardens) that help manage water, improve air quality, and support wildlife in built environments.
Bioengineering: Using living organisms (plants, microbes, animals) in engineering projects. In environmental work, this often means using plants or natural materials to stabilise soil, reduce erosion, or improve habitats.
Biodiversity: The variety of living things in an area, including different species of plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms, and the ecosystems they form.
Habitat restoration: The process of repairing or rebuilding damaged natural environments so they can support healthy ecosystems again.
Climate Adaptation: Actions taken to adjust to the current and future impacts of climate change—such as building flood-resistant structures, restoring wetlands, or designing heat-resilient cities.
Reclamation: The process of creating new land from the sea, wetlands, or other water bodies—often by filling in areas to make usable land.
Seawalls: Hard, vertical or sloped structures built along coastlines to protect land from waves, erosion, and flooding.
Wharves: Structures built on or over the water where ships can dock, load, and unload goods or passengers.
Pontoons: Floating platforms anchored to the seabed, used as docks, walkways, or foundations for structures on the water.
