At the World concept Congress (WDC) 2025, Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) has presented a ground-breaking marine habitat concept in collaboration with D-Shape and the Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP). WDC was held in London, at the Barbican Centre, from September 9-10, 2025. 

The world design community came together to discuss ways to address the planet's urgent environmental problems at this event, which is hosted by the World Design Organization (WDO) in partnership with the UK Design Council.

Called Nereid, the concept is a digitally created habitat designed to restore the marine environment in Hong Kong's North Lantau Marine Park conservation area, is at the front of this effort. 

Nereid, which was created utilizing cutting-edge 3D printing technology from D-Shape, is a testament to the creative partnership between ZHA and HKSTP and shows how design can spur ecological resilience while tackling the pressing issues of biodiversity loss and human influence on marine habitats.

"The collaboration highlights the visionary design of Zaha Hadid Architects, the ingenuity of D-Shape, and our commitment to innovative solutions for environmental challenges," said Hilda Chan, Chief Marketing Officer of HKSTP.

"We're thrilled to see Nereid presented at the World Design Congress, demonstrating the power of Hong Kong’s I&T on the world stage," Chan added.

Nereid works with Professor James Fang, a marine physiologist and toxicologist from Hong Kong Polytechnic University, to address the growing concerns of urbanization, land reclamation, climate change, and marine pollution. 

By offering hydrodynamic and restorative advantages that encourage the organic renewal of coastal ecosystems, the habitat seeks to increase marine biodiversity.

Nereid's unique characteristics are intended to replenish essential food supplies, with a particular emphasis on fostering phytoplankton and filter-feeding shellfish, which are essential elements of the marine food chain. D-Shape's cutting-edge 3D printing technique uses pH-neutral ingredients in a low-carbon concrete mix to produce bio-mimetic structures that mimic the textures of natural reefs, which makes them appropriate for use in a variety of coastal areas.

This program acts as protection against harmful activities like bottom trawling in addition to promoting the restoration of marine habitat. Nereid is a ray of hope for developing regenerative marine infrastructure, which is consistent with HKSTP's objective to promote innovation.

Render © ZHA

It is impossible to overestimate the contribution artificial reefs provide to improving marine biodiversity. The Agriculture Fisheries and Conservation Department and the Airport Authority Hong Kong collaborated earlier this year to erect artificial reefs close to Hong Kong International Airport. Monitoring conducted after deployment showed that variety had significantly increased, with different corals, barnacles, and goby fish populating the structures.

Shipping and land development continue to pose a threat to the area, which is home to the critically endangered Chinese White Dolphin, also referred to locally as the Hong Kong Pink Dolphin. Nereid contributes to the continuous efforts to assist the repopulation of this cherished dolphin species and is an essential step in restoring these marine habitats.

ZHA's Nereid, which marks the beginning of a new age in sustainable innovation and ecological stewardship, is a prime example of how design can be a potent instrument for environmental action as the world's design community gathers at WDC 2025.

"Driven by a deep understanding of the requirements needed to support local ecosystems, this prototype is part of a wider approach developed in collaboration with partners in innovative technologies to research and progress initiatives that enhance environmental sustainability," said Christos Passas, Design Director, Zaha Hadid Architects.

"Nereid demonstrates large-scale 3D printing can support the regeneration of marine ecosystems. By opening our technology to partners, we’re turning bold ideas into habitats where nature and innovation thrive," said Mario Nuzzolese, Director, D-Shape.

Several notable projects by Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) were highlighted at the World Design Capital (WDC). These include: NatPowerH, the world's first green hydrogen refueling infrastructure designed specifically for the recreational boating industry. 

Render © ZHA

Secondly, BEEAH Group Headquarters, located in Sharjah, UAE, this building serves as a model for the smart and sustainable cities of the future. 

Thirdly, Thalia, a cork wall system developed in collaboration with Gencork, which combines the natural benefits and properties of cork with ZHA’s advanced computational design techniques.

Zaha Hadid Architects recently won the WA Awards 10+5+X 51st Cycle with King Abdullah Financial District Metro Station in Saudi Arabia, Shenzhen Science & Technology Museum in China, Capital International Exhibition And Convention Centre in China, Studio City Phase 2 in China, and Cityzen Tower in Georgia. 

In addition, the firm received the foundation permit for the Delmore Residences in the town of Surfside, Florida. Moreover, the firm completed a new community sports and leisure hub in Hong Kong. The project, described as "a lifted village," is ZHA's first sports and commercial project completed in Asia. Further, ZHA won an international architectural competition to design Vilnius Airport's new arrivals terminal. 

All images © Luke Hayes unless otherwise stated.

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