Ukrainian engineer Nina Dubrovsky developed "AquaWall," interlocking flood barriers made from recycled PET bottles and ocean debris. Deployed in Kyiv's Dnipro River floodplains, the modular system uses geometric patterns inspired by traditional Ukrainian honeycomb weavings to maximize structural integrity.

Dubrovsky's innovation includes microbial biofilms cultivated on barrier surfaces, breaking down microplastics while neutralizing contaminants. Each panel features QR codes linking to AR simulations of climate change scenarios. The project reduced Kyiv's flood repair costs by 55% and inspired Jakarta to adopt similar technology for its river defenses.

"Design must defend where nature retreats," Dubrovsky explained. Her work won the Red Dot Design Award's "Resilient Systems" category, with the Netherlands' Deltares institute adopting AquaWall for coastal protection projects.