augmented tides oceanic research and education center by rafael berges and jared clifton

augmented tides oceanic research and education center concept
all images courtesy of rafael berges, jared clifton

‘augmented tides’ is a sustainable architecture concept developed by rafael berges and jared clifton. the project proposes a research and education center — dedicated to intertidal species study — on the south side of oakland’s middle harbor shoreline in the bay area. representative of water conservation and life-fostering processes found in nature, ‘augmented tides’ seeks to introduce the community to everyday biological events often absent in urban environments.

each platform reflects a different intertidal zone 

the structure encloses laboratories and classrooms. its five-level tiered construction clearly separates intertidal zones: open water, deep marsh, shallow marsh, wet meadow, shrub wetland, serving as a life-fostering vessel for various species. ‘augmented tides’ is a modular system, utilizing fiber-reinforced polymer columns that have one of three purposes: tidal, filtration, or research. 

classroom at low tide

classroom at high tide 

structure at site

floor plans

three program types: research labs, public classrooms, and services

roof canopies shade interior spaces 

two water filtration cycles: one for salt water, the other for black water

tide force pumps water through the columns

wall sections / column diagrams

FRP prototype produced with kreysler & associates

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions  feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.