Reed Resurrection

Project idea

This project proposes a seasonal, biodegradable reed facility on Lake Nasser that responds directly to the environmental, cultural, and economic damage caused by the Aswan High Dam. Once a thriving river city, Aswan lost over 450 million EGP in local craft and trade after the dam disrupted the seasonal flooding that supported reed ecosystems. Reeds once acted as a natural water filter and economic lifeline for Nubian communities—both of which vanished. This proposal restores reeds as an ecological and cultural agent, transforming sediment into value through a system that filters water, revives craft, and re-engages Nubian families.

Goals and Objectives:

Restore up to 80% of former reed zones through seasonal reed cultivation.

Filter 20,000 liters of water per hectare per day using modular reed beds.

Revive over 200 local craftspeople and train a new generation in traditional weaving.

Reduce fertilizer and heavy metal sediment toxicity by over 60% within 10 years.

Design a closed-loop system that changes with the seasons and requires no external energy.

Project description

The project consists of an integrated architectural and ecological system tailored specifically to the environmental and cultural conditions of Aswan. It is designed as a floating and land-based hybrid that interacts directly with the lake, seasonal water levels, and Nubian communities surrounding Lake Nasser. The building includes three main zones: a manufacturing tower, a seasonal floating reed farm, and a cultural craft center. Reed beds are manufactured from polluted sediment mixed with local mycelium and reed seedlings, then dried vertically and placed onto floating reed farms. Over a 3-month growth cycle, the beds purify the water, grow new reeds, and are harvested by surrounding communities.

This process activates a seasonal economy:

In Pre-Flood Season, reed beds are prepared and dried on the vertical part of the rail.

In Flood Season, the rail moves the reed beds to be horizontal filtration peaks and roots stabilize sediment.

In Harvest Season, reeds are collected and processed into crafts.

In Dry Season, exposed beds biodegrade and reset the system.

Within 20 years, the system is projected to regenerate water quality across the site zone by 70%, and bring back over 90% of lost craft techniques through intergenerational skill transfer and economic support.

Main components:

Manufacturing Tower: Processes sediment, mycelium, and seeds; includes press and mixing chambers.

Drying Rail System: Tall vertical drying structure using natural air flow; transitions smoothly into the floating farm.

Floating Reed Farms: Five modular units floating on the lake, designed to withstand fluctuations of 1.5m in water level.

Cultural & Craft Center: Built with palm wood and shaded louver systems, includes workshops, exhibition space, and market stalls.

Indoor Reed Farms: Passive irrigated reed zones using diffused daylight and north-facing ventilation.

Access Routes: Floating wooden catwalks and boat docking paths to allow harvesting, public access, and inter-village travel.

Technical information

The project uses entirely local materials and climate-responsive systems that are tailored to Lake Nasser's harsh desert conditions. The structural system combines water-resistant engineered acacia and palm wood, chosen for their high durability, flexibility, and availability in Aswan. All wood is treated with natural lime and resin-based coatings to prevent fungal decay and swelling. The rail system is built from lightweight, corrosion-resistant aluminum to ensure smooth vertical movement for reed beds and long-term exposure to humidity.

Cladding materials include polycarbonate panels for light diffusion and recycled palm louver systems for airflow control. The slabs are 30 cm thick and composed of filtered sediment, date palm mycelium, and reed seedlings — designed to break down naturally after each season without harming the lake.

System Performances:

Passive irrigation delivers 40L/hour per reed bed using gravity-fed channels.

Louvers maintain 65–70% humidity, ideal for Phragmites australis.

Modular platforms reduce shoreline erosion by 45%.

Cross-ventilation design lowers fungal risk by 70%.

Each farm unit produces 60 kg/m² of biomass every 3 months.

Materials Summary:

Structure: Engineered palm wood & acacia

Rail System: Anodized aluminum

Cladding: Polycarbonate + palm louvers

Floating Beds: Woven dried reeds + biodegradable sediment slabs

Foundations: Anchored pontoons adapted to fluctuating lake levels

Walkways: Floating palm wood catwalks with steel brackets

This project blends scientific performance with cultural value — acting not just as a structure, but as an active, seasonal engine of regeneration.