Sheng-Hung Lee

Designed by Sheng-Hung Lee, Wan Kee Lee, 2016.
| TetraPOT |

2023 ─ Academic Research Paper ─ Study on Effectiveness of TetraPOT as Coastal Protection Structure [ conf ]
2019 ─ Cooper Hewitt Design Triennial ─ TetraPOT 2.0
2018 ─ Shenzhen-Macao Creative Week (SMCW), Bronze ─ Creative Design Category
2017 ─ iF, Gold ─ Discipline Professional Concept
2017 ─ European Product Design Award, Gold ─ Design for Sustainability
2017 ─ Dubai Design Week Global Grad Show
2016 ─ IDEA, Gold ─ Environments
2016 ─ red dot Design Award, Winner ─ Habitat
2016 ─ James Dyson Award, National Wineer (Taiwan) & International Top 20 Winner
2016 ─ Spark Award, Winner ─ Concept, Professional
2016 ─ A' Design Award & Competition, Silver ─ Sustainable Products, Projects and Green Design
2016 ─ International Design Awards, Gold ─ Design for Society, Sustainable Products
2016 ─ Sichuan-Taiwan Industrial Design Awards, Silver ─ Environments
2016 ─ Tuvie: Modern Industrial Design and Future Technology, Publication ─ Designs and Concepts, Green
 
It started with a vision to create a stronger yet greener sea defence. Since we were in kid’s age, we have been wondering what these concrete blocks are and why these artificial sea defences occupy almost all beaches. Current artificial sea defence structures tend to be dislodged over time by the force of the ocean constantly crashing against them. They have also been criticized for destroying the natural scenery along coastlines. As for natural sea defence, more than 35% of the world’s mangroves are already gone because of the greenhouse effect. We not only identified some challenges that people need to face but also found some design opportunities that the project team will going to focus on, e.g. Under mutual benefit/value theme, we will create symbiosis between artificial sea defence and natural sea defence.
 
TetraPOT is a sea defence sustainable system made of concrete, organic materials and plants. It comes with plant seeds in a decomposable pot. Randomly distributed TetraPOTs along coastlines will eventually interlock to create a long-lasting sea defence of growing trees and roots that help keep the blocks in place. As plants grow inside out from TetraPOT, the roots will intertwine and gradually become a natural sea defence. The shape and placement will enable TetraPOTs to interlock with each other and form a structured web. The design not only prevents soil erosion, but also helps to protect and create a natural habitat. It’s not only a defence, but also an ecosystem. A home for other livings.
 
Special Thanks to
IDEO: Tony Wong (Portfolio and Design Director, Shanghai), Tasos Karahalios (Portfolio Director, Chicago), Elyssa He (Language Expert), Jilly Yao (Marketing Lead), Ji Ke (Mechanical Engineer), Terrence Zhang (Communication Designer)
Puten Model Company: Shu-Yan Wang (Model Maker and Designer), Lin Shun Kuang (Model Maker and Artist)
Photographer: King Kong
Academic Institution: National Cheng Kung University, ISD International School of Design, Fudan University Shanghai Institute of Visual Art, Shanghai Library