Researchers from the MIT Self-Assembly Lab in collaboration with Invena, an organisation from the Maldives, are trialling submersible structures to promote growth of beaches and islands.
The large sand-filled bladders are made of canvas and biodegradable materials. They form 3×3 meters long, X-shaped walls that use natural forces such as waves, wind and pressure to promote the slow build up of sandbanks over time that support the existing coasts.
The objects were placed close to the Maldivian coast in February this year, their development will be observed throughout the year via satellite imagery and drone footage.
