San Francisco State University

The Adaptive Living Seawall reimagines the current seawall at the Estuary & Ocean Science Center as an organic, living system that supports marine biodiversity, coastal resilience, research, and public engagement.

Traditional vertical seawalls create harsh environmental conditions with limited habitat opportunities for marine organisms. Typically, the seawalls reduce accessibility for ecological monitoring and interaction. At the same time, climate change endangers native ecosystems within the San Francisco Bay.

In response, this project introduces modular habitat panels mounted onto a vertical rail system that allows the structure to adapt to changing tides and water levels. The approach creates textured microhabitats for oysters, mussels, algae, and other suspension feeders. Using shell-enhanced marine concrete, and more than 300 stainless steel and buoyancy-controlled HDPE floats, the system improves biodiversity, encourages ecological growth, and supports long-term marine resilience.

Next steps: refine the tidal adaptation system, improve the floating dock integration, test material performance and fabrication methods, and develop stronger strategies for ecological monitoring, maintenance, and public interaction.

Faculty Lead:
Fernando Carvalho with Josie Iselin and Kathy Boyer

Students:
Vivack Chan, Katalina Ruiz, Athena Valli

Collaborating Partner:
Estuary & Ocean Science Center

Aligned LA County Sustainability Plan Goals:
Goal 2: Buildings and infrastructure that support human health and resilience. Goal 5: Thriving ecosystems, habitats, and biodiversity.

Premiere Segment

Pitch deck

Supplemental materials