Ella Murrell

MariCulture // Aberdeen

This project is situated in Aberdeen harbour; an area in flux as it transitions away from heavy dominance of the oil industry. MariCulture is a system of food production which cultivates different shellfish, dulse and kelp, to aid ecosystem recovery in the North Sea and invite new industries to Aberdeen. Using the void space of an urban block, the project houses a collective of crafters and centre for MariCulture, which includes a kelp brewery, pepper dulse herbary, studios, café and gallery. The harbour in front is reimagined as a processional arrival space for marine materials, with a navigational drying tower and rainwater gardens. Drainage channels subtly invite you through a series of portals, to discover hidden courtyards, culinary rituals and material innovations beyond.