Gardening the Mediterranean: Architecture Beneath the Surface .·

Barcelona, RCNB – December 2025

Last December, I had the honor of attending a pivotal conference at the Reial Club Nàutic de Barcelona (RCNB), invited by Rotary Club Barcelona Mar and Rotary Mariners Barcelona. The evening, held in the historic Sala de Metopas, featured a presentation that perfectly aligns with my vision of the future of design: “Underwater Gardens: Los jardineros del mar” by Marc García-Durán Huet.

The Architect of the Seabed

Marc García-Durán is not just a visionary; he is an Architect of the Seabed. His work with Underwater Gardens International represents the pinnacle of what I call "Regenerative Scenography". During his talk, it became clear that the dialogue between coastal architecture and the ocean must evolve from passive observation to active regeneration.

At my studio, we conceptualize interiors for high-end yachts and waterfront residences, but as Marc demonstrated, the "view of the horizon" is only half the story. The true luxury of the 21st century lies in what we cultivate beneath the waterline.

Strategic Integration: From 3D Printing to Living Reefs

The project focuses on Smart Seascapes: integrating high-tech 3D printing with marine biology to create biogenic reef structures. These are not merely artificial objects; they are living architectures designed to restore biodiversity and carbon sequestration in our Mediterranean waters.

As a Strategic Interior Architect, I see an immense opportunity for Technical Prescription. My role is to act as a bridge: integrating these regenerative technologies into private maritime developments. Imagine a private marina or a shoreline villa where the submerged structures are designed with the same aesthetic rigor and sensory soul as the interiors above them, serving as active nurseries for marine life.

A Commitment to the Blue Economy

Participating in these dialogues at the Reial Club Nàutic reinforces my commitment to the Blue Economy in Barcelona. We are moving toward an era where the boundary between the built environment and the natural world dissolves.

Collaborating and spreading the word about pioneers like Marc García-Durán is part of our responsibility. At the end of the day, a "Liquid Scenography" is only truly beautiful if the ecosystem that hosts it is thriving.