Traffic jams on land are one thing, but traffic taking to the seas? Well, we can’t say it’s impossible. A unique underwater installation is quite literally making a splash in South Beach, just a short swim from shore.
Placed between 4th and 5th streets, nearly 800 feet offshore, “Concrete Coral” features a fleet of 22 life-sized cars as if they’re sitting in traffic, a nod to our car culture and its effects on the environment. Each vehicle, made of marine-grade concrete, is the work of Argentinian artist Leandro Erlich and part of the broader ReefLine project.
On top of being interesting to look at for snorkelers and divers, the artwork also aims to give back to the ocean. It will be seeded with 2,200 locally cultivated corals using an innovative technology called Coral Lok, which enables fast and sustainable transplantation. The corals are expected grow over time, turning the forms into a living reef and thereby helping restore marine habitats.
This is just phase 1 of the project, with more sculptures to be added in the coming years. Conceived by cultural placemaker Ximena Caminos, with a master plan by Shohei Shigematsu/OMA, ReefLine is a first-of-its-kind underwater sculpture park and hybrid reef made possible through the 2022 Arts & Culture General Obligation Bond approved by local voters.
The entire seven-mile project is planned to run the full length of Miami Beach, with the goal of outplanting thousands of corals on large-scale artworks while creating a blueprint for coastal cities worldwide.
“What begins in Miami Beach — once seen as ground zero for sea level rise — can become a model for cities around the world. This is the power of collaboration: when artists, scientists, and communities work together, regeneration becomes possible,” said Caminos in a press release.
How to see the underwater installation
Since “Concrete Coral” can be found 20 feet below, well, the ocean’s surface, the installation will be completely open to the public! Of course, the only catch is that you’ll need to make the swim or paddle out to view it.
However, no vessels or swimmers are currently allowed near the deployment area while work is being done. In the meantime, you can catch the cars being lowered into the ocean from the beach near 5th street. An oceanside celebration marking the official completion of this first phase will take place Monday, October 27, at 5 p.m.
For more information, visit the ReefLine website.