Eco-living and self-sustainable architecture are brought to architectural and technological extremes with the Lilypad, conceptualized by Vincent Callebaut Architectures.

Projecting that advanced stages of global warming and climate change will result in a rise in sea levels and consequently, flood low-lying cities and countries such as the Netherlands and Maldives, Vincent Callebaut has dreamt up this amphibious city that can accommodate 50,000 people and in his own words, become an “Ecopolis for Climatic Refugees”.

Inspired by the giant lilypads of the species Amazonia Victoria Regia, the floating city is built around a central submerged artificial lagoon that serves as a reservoir to collect rainwater for purification to potable water.

Three marinas surround this lagoon, on which stand high-rise buildings for residences, offices, shopping and other purposes. The buildings are carpeted by greenery and suspended gardens.

From Vincent’s drawings, it seems that there will also be a submerged portion, which could increase and optimize the ‘land use’ on the Lilypad. Like the veins on a leaf, a network of streets, boulevards and roads crisscrosses and connects the three marinas.

Explaining its eco-friendly credentials, the company's website says the floating structure is entirely clad in a double skin construction made of polyester fibers sandwiching a titanium dioxide layer, that supposedly “absorbs environmental pollution by photo-catalytic effect”.

Its ability to harness energy from the wind, sun, and waves will enable the Lilypad to produce more energy than it consumes. However, judging by the slated 2100 completion date, it seems that Vincent has drawn up something that, breathtaking and awe-inspiring as it is, may not be realized in his lifetime, if at all.

vincent.callebaut.org

via Trendhunter