Miami Reef Star installation goes underwater to make Nature thrive

Miami Reef Star by Carlos Betancourt and Alberto Latorre – Photo by Steve Kehayias.

Design. During Miami Art Week, artist Carlos Betancourt, in collaboration with architect Alberto Latorre, created a large star-shaped installation on the shore of Miami Beach. Named Miami Reef Star, the artwork is set to be relocated 15-20 feet underwater, within swimming distance from the shore, to provide a critical habitat for endangered reef organisms.

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Photo by Ilai Belaustegui.

The installation is part of the Miami Beach Reefline project, a groundbreaking 7-mile underwater sculpture park masterplanned by OMA and ReefLine founder Ximena Caminos. It will comprise several submerged environmental artworks acting as hybrid coral reefs that offer the opportunity to engage directly with Miami’s marine biodiversity.

“The ReefLine seeks to perform a unique kind of ‘marine acupuncture,’ blending art and innovative blue technology to target vital pressure points in the ocean.” Explains Ximena Caminos. “Our goal is to unlock their regenerative potential, ultimately restoring what has been lost to the devastating effects of climate change while fostering community engagement and awareness.”

Photo by Steve Kehayias.

Miami Reef Star comprises 46 3D-printed star-shaped modules of varying shapes and sizes arranged in a larger star shape. Once submerged, a series of holes and cavities will allow marine flora and fauna to thrive. The modules were engineered with the latest advancements in hybrid reef technology and marine habitats.

Photo by Steve Kehayias.

Carlos Betancourt and Alberto Latorre drew inspiration from the captivating migration of starfish, and the interconnectedness reflected in celestial bodies. Once installed beneath the city’s waters, Miami Reef Star will be viewable from aeroplanes flying overhead.

During Miami Art Week, Miami Reef Star was complemented by two other public artworks: a vibrant regatta by Daniel Buren and The Great Elephants Migration, an installation of 100 life-sized Indian pachyderms crafted from lantana camara, one of the world’s top invasive weeds [Read more].

Photo by Dr. Nico Munley.

The Reefline is due to ‘break water’ in spring 2025 with Concrete Coral, Leandro Erlich’s site-specific traffic jam featuring life-size concrete car sculptures, raising awareness of the relationship between climate change and carbon emissions. The underwater master plan also includes a staircase sculpture by OMA partner Shohei Shigematsu. Miami Reef Star will join the free snorkel trail in 2025/2026.

“The ReefLine masterplan extends over land and water.” Comments Shohei Shigematsu. “We have chosen underwater deployment locations so that ReefLine installations work and collaborate with the existing network of natural reefs. We look forward to continuing to develop this important project that brings together culture, community, and nature through both awareness and action.”