Slient Currents

Memorial and Ecological Restoration for YCJ STUDIO

Silent Currents reimagines a former nuclear test site as a marine sanctuary and memorial, weaving together ecological healing and collective memory. The design introduces marine grade concrete reef structures to catalyze coral growth and support biodiversity. Submerged pathways and floating observation platforms invite visitors to engage with the underwater landscape, bearing witness to nature’s quiet resurgence. Harnessing tidal energy, the project embodies a symbolic and functional shift toward sustainability, establishing a powerful dialogue between past devastation and future renewal.

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Slient Currents by Yanci Chen

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Memorial and Ecological Restoration by Yanci Chen

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Yanci Chen Slient Currents

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Yanci Chen Memorial and Ecological Restoration

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Unique Properties

Silent Currents is a memorial and ecological restoration project that transforms a former nuclear test site into a thriving marine sanctuary. The design fosters reef regeneration through artificial reef structures made from eco-friendly marine concrete, accelerating coral growth. Submerged pathways and floating observation points allow visitors to witness marine revival, while integrated tidal energy systems symbolize a transition to sustainable coexistence, merging memory with renewal.

Tags

marine restoration, artificial reef, tidal energy, ecological memorial, coral regeneration, underwater architecture, sustainable design, nuclear test site transformation, biodiversity conservation, submerged pathways

Production Technology

Silent Currents employs marine-grade concrete infused with calcium carbonate to accelerate coral growth and restore marine biodiversity. 3D-printed reef structures optimize surface texture for marine life attachment, while submerged pathways and floating observation decks use recycled polymers and corrosion-resistant alloys. Tidal energy generators harness ocean currents for sustainable power, ensuring a self-sustaining, low-impact intervention that merges ecological restoration with memorialization.

Design Challenge

The biggest challenge in Silent Currents was transforming a contaminated nuclear test site into a thriving marine sanctuary. Internally, the design had to balance memorialization and ecological regeneration while respecting the site's tragic history. Externally, obstacles included data limitations on long-term radiation effects, marine ecosystem recovery rates, and legal restrictions on site intervention. Overcoming these required interdisciplinary research and innovative material solutions.

Project Duration

Feburary 2025 Pacific Ocean

Operation Flow

Silent Currents invites visitors to experience marine restoration firsthand through floating observation decks and submerged pathways that offer a close view of regenerating ecosystems. Over time, the artificial reef structures become thriving habitats, transforming a once-devastated site into a sanctuary for marine life. The integration of tidal energy systems ensures sustainability, making the site both a memorial and a living example of environmental renewal.

Research

Silent Currents is based on environmental and architectural research exploring post-nuclear site restoration. The objective was to rebuild marine ecosystems while creating a meaningful memorial. Methods included marine biology studies, site mapping, and material testing for reef structures. Data from oceanographers, ecologists, and engineers informed the design. Findings show artificial reefs accelerate biodiversity recovery, influencing sustainable restoration strategies and conservation policies.

Inspiration

Silent Currents is inspired by the devastating impact of nuclear testing on marine ecosystems and the urgent need for ecological restoration. The project reimagines a test site as a marine sanctuary, blending memorialization with environmental renewal. Drawing from research on coral rehabilitation, artificial reef technology, and tidal energy, it introduces submerged structures that support biodiversity while serving as a living monument to resilience and transformation.

Image Credits

Yanci Chen, Jing Chen

Project Overview

Slient Currents Memorial and Ecological Restoration has been a Iron winner in the Sustainable Products, Projects and Green Design award category in the year 2024 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Iron A' Design Award is awarded to good designs that meet the rigorous professional and industrial standards set by the A' Design Awards. This recognition is reserved for works that demonstrate a solid understanding of design principles and show creativity within their execution. Recipients of the Iron A' Design Award are acknowledged for their practical innovations and contributions to their respective fields, providing solutions that improve quality of life and foster positive change. These designs are a testament to the skill and dedication of their creators, showcasing their ability to address real-world challenges through thoughtful design.

Iron Recognition

Yanci Chen was recognized with the coveted Iron A' Design Award in 2025, a testament to excellence of their work Slient Currents Memorial and Ecological Restoration.

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