When Stars Align: Miami Reef Star by The ReefLine Continues its Shine at the Climate & Innovation HUB

Miami’s vibrant art and environmental communities are showcasing creativity and ecological innovation at an unparalleled scale.

The Miami Reef Star, a groundbreaking collaboration by artist Carlos Betancourt and architect Alberto Latorre, is now on display at the Climate & Innovation HUB powered by Future of Cities before its ultimate deployment as an underwater sculptural art installation in 2025. Commissioned by The ReefLine, this project represents a fusion of art, architecture, and environmental science that breathes new life into Miami’s marine ecosystems.

A Star Born from Innovation

The Miami Reef Star is much more than an Art Week art installation; it’s a hybrid reef designed with ecological purpose. Crafted using 3D-printed environmentally friendly concrete, the star’s jagged textures and intricately designed openings replicate the natural features of coral reefs. These design elements create an ideal habitat for marine organisms, providing shelter for smaller creatures and allowing light to filter through to support a thriving internal ecosystem.

A unique “Coral Lok” mechanism further elevates the star’s functionality. This innovative feature facilitates coral planting, turning the sculpture into a dynamic, living reef that will contribute to the restoration of Miami’s underwater habitats. By combining artistic vision with ecological engineering, the Miami Reef Star embodies the future of sustainable marine conservation.

The All-Star Team

The creation of the Miami Reef Star brought together a stellar team of visionaries, including Carlos Betancourt, Alberto Latorre , and Ximena Caminos, Brandi Reddick and the entire ReefLine team. 

During Art Week Miami Beach from December 2-8, 2024, the prototype was on display between 36th and 37th streets, offering visitors an interactive glimpse into its transformative potential & it’s innovative 3D printed texture.  

From Shoreline to Seafloor

The Miami Reef Star will soon make its journey underwater, where it will be relocated 15-20 feet beneath the surface, within easy swimming distance from the shore slated for 2025 deployment. This transition marks the next phase of its life as part of The ReefLine’s ambitious 7-mile underwater sculpture park. Masterplanned by the renowned architecture firm OMA and ReefLine founder Ximena Caminos, this park blends environmental awareness with artistic expression to foster a deeper connection between Miami’s residents, visitors, and marine life.

The ReefLine’s underwater installations, including the Miami Reef Star, are designed to promote marine biodiversity while serving as a beacon of Miami Beach’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. Inspired by the starfish’s natural migration patterns, the Miami Reef Star and its counterparts will form a vibrant underwater landscape, drawing both marine organisms and human admirers to this unique ecological art destination.

A Celebration of Collaboration

The Miami Reef Star’s new home on land at the Climate & Innovation HUB powered by Future of Cities underscores the power of interdisciplinary collaboration. By merging art, science, and community, The ReefLine and its partners are charting a course toward a more sustainable future—one that celebrates Miami’s unique relationship with the ocean and the stars above.

Together, we are reimagining our role as stewards of both art and the environment, proving that when stars align, anything is possible. Schedule a tour of the Future of Cities headquarters and visit the Miami Reef Star IRL. 

3D Prototypes printed by: Kind Design, MADCO3D and 3D Potter