26th May 2014 Floating, self-sustaining city offers solution to overcrowding and ecological impacts AT Design Office has unveiled its proposal for a hi-tech, floating metropolis. With self-sufficient energy, food and recycling systems, it could solve problems of overcrowding and environmental degradation on land.
As the world becomes ever more crowded, polluted and depleted of resources, there are often suggestions that we must explore space and colonise other planets to ensure our survival. However, perhaps we should look closer to home. Oceans cover more than 70% of the Earth's surface and represent a new, potentially massive opportunity for civilisation. AT Design Office – a firm of architects and urban/interior/landscape designers – was commissioned by Chinese construction firm CCCC to investigate the possibility of self-sustaining, floating cities. They have now unveiled a proposal that is capable of housing many thousands of residents in a futuristic, hexagonal arrangement of modules with areas both above and below water. This 10 km² (4 mi²) settlement would feature vertical farms and fish hatcheries to produce its own food, a garbage and recycling centre to sustainably handle waste, along with zero-carbon and energy efficient systems driven by tidal power. World class facilities would bring new opportunities for education, recreation, employment and business. According to AT, this would create a "vibrant, diverse and sustainable social and economic platform." All living spaces in this floating city would have 360° views of the surrounding ocean scenery. Residents would enjoy close proximity to local facilities and public services, with fast and convenient transport provided in the form of electric vehicles and submarines, eliminating air pollution and congestion. Inhabitants could visit neighbouring cities or the mainland via submarines, cruise ships and ferries. Trees and parks are designed to weave in a continuous public green belt, above and below water. The upper areas can provide public space usable for sports and recreation in a fresh air environment. A chimney in the central hub creates natural ventilation and lighting for the underwater sections and a gravity regulation system is located at the bottom. While it may sound like science fiction, China Transport Investment Company is taking the project seriously and may begin a small-scale trial in 2015. Technologies featured in this design are already being used to build a 31 mile bridge connecting Hong Kong, Macau and Zhuhai. As the world adapts to rising sea levels, these types of amphibious settlements could be a fairly common sight by 2100.
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