The international exhibition, open until Sunday 19 October at the Pavilhão da Oca, presents innovative coastal adaptation solutions to tackle climate change.
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 14 October 2025 – The European project LIFE COSTAdapta, coordinated by the Consejo Insular de la Energía de Gran Canaria (CIEGC), is participating in the 14th São Paulo International Architecture Biennial (BIAsp), held in Brazil until Sunday 19 October.
The Biennial, considered one of the world’s leading international events on architecture and urbanism, brings together projects addressing major contemporary challenges, including adaptation to climate change. Within this framework, LIFE COSTAdapta is showcased as an example of innovation in nature-based solutions to protect coastal areas from rising sea levels.
The proposal, presented by the Architecture, Landscape and Heritage (APP-ULPGC) research group from the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, introduces the creation of artificial tidal pools or eco-concrete reefs. These structures dissipate wave energy, reduce erosion, strengthen marine biodiversity, and provide new social, educational and scientific spaces.
The project is characterised by its multidisciplinary and participatory approach, combining environmental and landscape studies with community consultation processes in areas such as San Felipe (Gran Canaria), where the construction of a full-scale prototype is planned.
The presence of LIFE COSTAdapta at the São Paulo Biennial represents international recognition of innovation and of the Canary Islands’ commitment to coastal resilience in the context of the global climate emergency.
With a budget of EUR 3.7 million, 60% co-financed by the European Union’s LIFE Programme, the project is led by the Consejo Insular de Energía de Gran Canaria (CIEGC) of the Cabildo de Gran Canaria, and brings together the following partners: University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC); University of Cantabria (UC); INGECID, Investigación y Desarrollo de Proyectos; Raley Estudios Costeros S.C.P.; ECOncrete AQUA; Fundación Canaria para el Reciclaje y Desarrollo Sostenible (FCR) and Fundación Finnova.
More information: official Biennial programme and LIFE COSTAdapta exhibition page.
https://bienaldearquitetura.org.br/programacao/life-costadapta/