The Floating ecopolis, otherwise known as the Lilypad, is a model designed by Belgian architect Vincent Callebaut for future climatic refugees. He proposed this model as a long-term solution to rising water level as per the GIEC (Intergovernmental group on the evolution of the climate) forecast. It is a self-sufficient amphibious city and satisfies the four challenges laid down by the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) in March 2008 namely, climate, biodiversity, water and health.
The floating structure has a capacity to shelter 50,000 individuals. It consists of three marinas and three mountains, which are meant for entertainment purposes, surrounding a centrally located artificial lagoon that performs the task of collecting and purifying water. The shape of this floating structure was inspired from the highly ribbed leaf of the Amazonia Victoria Regia water lily. The double skin of this structure would be made of polyester fibers covered by a layer of titanium dioxide (TiO2). The titanium oxide reacts with ultra violet rays and therefore, due to photocatalytic effect, it absorbs atmospheric pollution in the process.
Source: Wikipedia. All images from Beautifullife.info.
I really find resettling is the only soltion to the human indicated problems of the 21st century, but a natural environment which is 100% managed by humans and not connected to outside biospheres is the ultimate nightmare.
Mehdimau on May 13th, 2014
:)
Irina on May 13th, 2014