The plight of coral: Designers tackle sustainability issues

Nell Bennett, graduating from Innovation Design Engineering, addressed the rising acidification of the oceans caused by global warming, which has resulted in the destruction of coral reefs. Coral is an essential part of the ocean ecosystem, meaning this acidification has led to the disappearance of stable habitats and in turn endangered fish stocks. Bennett proposes producing a natural rock, a substrate that will dissolve over time, increasing the pH value of the area to protect the coral reefs. 

Another project, Plan Bee by Julia Johnson, concerns the crisis in bees. She created a self-monitoring beehive that detects unusual activity in the breeding patterns of bees to help prevent disappearance of worker bees from the colony, known as the colony collapse disorder.

In its fourth year, SustainRCA continues to encourage and support students to embrace sustainability in all its diverse forms – from focusing on material and production processes to blueprints for a fairer economy. The Show and Awards finalists will be on show during a specially curated exhibition at London Design Festival in September.

To find more examples of this year's graduate projects, read our RCA and CSM Graduate Shows review.