The escalating aqua-alta scenario in Venice, Italy, is linked to several drastic issues, including salt weathering leading to the deterioration of the existing built fabric. Hence, a design intervention is explored to provide an external skin for an urban landscape that is frequently washed with salt water.

A newly developed hydrogel composite material has been tested for bio receptivity for biofilm and EPS (Extracellular Polymeric Substance), both of which generate marine algal species. These species thrive on the saline conditions of water and the newly developed hydrogel composite material acts as a substrate to host these algal species, potentially protecting them from salt weathering. The design intervention revolves around two crucial factors; the bio-receptive binding material and the interlocking hollow clay bricks that can be tessellated and assembled in the desired pattern. The bio-receptive binding material is used as a bio mortar to hold the bricks together and allows algal growth on the bricks’ surfaces in contact with salt water.