Saturday, April 6, 2013

F is for Floating City

Rotterdam-Bubbles-Floating-Pavilion-1-620x413Floating cities: Now this is a great idea! Example: The Dutch city of Rotterdam, which has committed to reducing carbon emissions by 50%, also has rising seas on its mind. There, planners are looking at the potential of floating, solar-powered structures to address the challenge. 

The Floating Pavilion prototype is a series of connected spheres currently moored at the city's old harbor. That location was picked because of its relatively calm water and low waves, but the structure is designed to be easily towed and relocated. 

Inside, the heating and air conditioning run on solar energy and systems powered by surface water. The electricity runs in zones, so it can be directed only where needed. The pavilion's rest rooms use self-contained purification systems for the toilets. An auditorium in the building can accommodate up to 150 people. 

As the water level rises, the floating pavilion will also rise, making it an example of climate-proof building, a technology for which demand will strongly grow in Rotterdam. Rotterdam has plans to build floating urban districts. In these floating districts, people will live, shop, work and recreate on the water. Floating construction is one of the solutions that will be increasingly favoured in the 21st century, and all over the world. 

Once the industry in Rotterdam has gained expertise in this area, they will be able to market this knowledge in the rest of the world. Reference Reference

21 comments:

  1. The floating city prototype looks beautiful. With the future bringing more people this is a great way to share space without destroying the environment.

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  2. This is pretty cool. Even if it does make me think of Kevin Costner and that film. I've been meaning to take a trip to Holland (because I really miss living near the sea and that's probably the closest to me) but wasn't sure where. Sounds like Rotterdam will be an interesting place to check out.

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  3. Very interesting! I never heard of floating cities, thanks for sharing.

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  4. They look impressive and a really nice place to live.

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  5. Great theme! Visiting from A-Z

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  6. wow, this is so cool! I may have to use this technology in my novel - thanks again for another fascinating post :)

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  7. Wow, now that is crazy clever! Makes me think of Waterworld too.

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  8. I read that New York is in touch with the Dutch re: ways to handle the changing water levels. About time. The Dutch have the know how.

    I love the architecture of those floating cities. I'd buy there!

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  9. This sounds pretty cool and like a great setting for a wonderful SF story.

    Here's mine:
    http://smhasty.blogspot.com/2013/04/26-books-that-changed-my-life-6.html

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  10. Pretty awesome!

    www.wearinglemon.blogspot.com

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  11. Very cool idea!
    Stephen, sorry I've been forgetting your blog! Will add it to my own Reader now. And don't forget to put up the Google Friends Connect widget.

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  12. How neat! I would love to visit one of these if they're implemented.

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  13. Wow! Be nice if we could have land ones as well.

    I'm AtoZing at
    Take 25 to Hollister
    Don't be a Hippie

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  14. wow that is an amazing concept and doable (obviously)

    happy A to Z / we got thru the first week yeah!!!

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  15. This is my kinda news.

    I love it when humanity steps up and generates creative solutions.

    Also in my experience Denmark, Norway, etc. are exceptional in the field of architecture, and this just solidifies that :)

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  16. Very interesting, but who owns the water that they are building on? I'm thinking of all the waterways around the world, seaports etc. How will this negatively impact commerce etc.

    A-Z

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  17. Wow, that sounds SO cool! The Engineer is of Dutch decent and it's on my bucket list to get there one day...

    Tina @ Life is Good
    Co-host, April 2013 A-Z Challenge Blog
    @TinaLifeisGood, #atozchallenge

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  18. I like the concept, but can't help thinking of hurricanes and tsunamis. I wonder if they would be sufficiently resistant to such things and can you imagine being inside during a gale, let alone a hurricane?

    JO ON FOOD, MY TRAVELS AND A SCENT OF CHOCOLATE

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  19. Hi Steve .. the Dutch have always been very forward thinking as far as designs for living with the waters of the north sea. Fascinating how things develop .. cheers Hilary

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  20. Hi there, I found your blog via Alex Kavanaugh. Very interesting concept on these floating cities. I wonder about trash and water and other sanitation services. I'm editor of Empirical magazine, and we had an article about "cities of the future." Maybe you'll be interested? http://empiricalmag.blogspot.com/2012/12/from-empirical-archives-city-of-future.html

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  21. That is a truly awesome idea! I love the water anyway, and even considered living in a house boat. It looks amazing.

    #atozchallenge, Kristen's blog: kristenhead.blogspot.com

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