What's Next: Sustainable architecture that floats

As We Know It

Today due to global warming the glaciers around the world are melting and as a result of that the sea level is going up and there is an ever prevailing peril of sinking of cities standing by the sea and coastal areas. And there are other dangers like hurricanes, lashing rainfalls, tsunamis and earthquakes as well, which are originated because of eco-imbalance and always haunt the cities especially low lying and coastal civilizations. So a possibility of permanent drowning of these cities under sea surface is ever present there.

Sustainable architecture

Need For Change

The technology and architecture that is presently used to make structures on the land makes them vulnerable to all these natural calamities. So a question arises for how long all these dangers will spare the coastal civilizations. So there is an urgency for a change and new technology as it will be more intelligent to have a solution to these problems. Moreover, there is also a shortage of inland housing today. Hence in order to overcome the crises the concept of floating architecture is being promoted. This concept today might be tried for the sake of a change but it will definitely inspire the future housing and architecture.

What’s next?

1) Rotterdam’s Floating Pavilion

Rotterdam’s Floating Pavilion

What's New

The Rotterdam's Floating Pavilion is designed by Delta Sync Company and this project is still under construction. This amazing structure has a unique design which will consist of three igloo like semi spheres made from a foil named dubbed ETFE which is lighter than glass. With a height of 12m, covering an area equal to four tennis courts, the structure will be mobile. This project will definitely get rid of the tension of rising sea levels because as the level of sea will go up the structure will also be up automatically so there is no question of structure's drowning.

What difference will it make

This structure is entirely based on floating architecture. But there are other things as well which will add to the project's eco attributes. The entire structure has been designed to harness clean solar energy, with surface water being used for air conditioning. The structure also contains a distinct quality of having various climatic zones which means that the energy will be used in particular area where it will be required.

Problems

Since the structure has been designed to be powered by renewable energy, there rises an obvious problem of powering the structure at night or during cloudy days. Moreover, the strength of the structure is debatable as it might have to face the attack of oceanic currents and salty water.

2) BOA

BOA

What's new

BOA is another gigantic project founded by E. Kevin Schopfer, AIA and RIBA, which is based on the principles of floating architecture. The structure is designed to provide a safe and sustainable living space for around 15,000 people. The complex will include offices, hotels, condominiums, museums and a massive city hall. The foundation of this incredible city will be formed by pouring concrete in a series into the sea combined together to build a firmer base. To make the city more sustainable there will be sky gardens on the top of the structure.

What difference will it make

This city of wonders will have feature like the energy needs will be fulfilled by using photovoltaic systems, wind turbines and harbor based water turbines. Moreover, freshwater recovery systems will also be incorporated to reduce freshwater demands. The inclusion of passive glazing system and sky garden heating and cooling systems will help in reducing energy demands.

3. Gyre

Gyre

What's new

The Gyre project is based on the concept of making a city under water. This gigantic city will have many skyscrapers below water and will cover an area equal to 40 football grounds, an area big enough to have amenities like recreation centers, gardens, malls etc. The idea behind this grand project is to provide housing in future as the ever rising sea level will one day swallow the cities situated on the sea coast.

What difference will it make

This underwater city will make use of sources like tides, sun and wind to generate renewable energy. For water supplies this mammoth structure will rely on fresh water storage basins which will be located at the bottom of the structure. Moreover, the design also includes rainwater harvesting systems.