Decontamination Plan

The seaweed Rugulopteryx okamurae, has also called invasive algae or Asian algae, has triggered a worrying situation since its appearance in Spain in 2015, expanding in an uncontrolled manner along the coasts of the Alboran Sea. Spain is the first country in which it has shown invasive character, being officially listed as an invasive species in the Official State Gazette in 2020. This algae has negatively affected marine biodiversity, fishing and tourism, fundamental elements for the livelihood of coastal cities. for the livelihood of coastal cities.

he objective is to create a port facility that favors the harvesting of invasive algae for its transformation into raw material and the obtaining of different resources. In order to carry out this infrastructure, an integral plan for the control and harvesting of the algae will be developed. It is proposed to implement strategies for the control and eradication of the algae in both marine and terrestrial environments. The question arises as to what to do with all this collected material. It is at this point where my project takes shape in a tangible way. A large permeable metal structure is proposed to house the necessary machinery to transform the invasive algae. The main structure of the building is formed by a large habitable truss in the shape of a circle and with a 65-meter cantilever that unfolds over the sea, obtaining a light character. The main structure is built using stainless steel tubular profiles and post-tensioned braided cables, which give the structure its lightness. The choice of this circular shape allows an optimal distribution of the internal processes. The algae enters the building at the outer perimeter of the circumference and is distributed through pipes, which connect the different transformation processes, until it reaches the export areas located in the center. The seaweed is transformed into insulation, compost, biomethane, biodiesel, bio-oil and bioplastics. The latter is used for the construction of the building's roof, and the biomethane ensures the project's energy self-sufficiency. Apart from its industrial function, the building is also conceived as a space open to the public. Walkways are included in the lower area so that visitors can walk through it and become aware of it.