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Lilypad lifeboats

As climate change melts polar ice, sea levels will rise, displacing many thousands of residents living near shorelines. Where are they going to go? Traditional assumption is tht they would move inland, but Belgian architect Vincent Callebaut has an interesting alternative: an artificial island, the Lilypad, which he describes as "a true amphibian, half aquatic and half terrestrial city, able to accommodate 50,000 inhabitants and inviting biodiversity". [Link]

The Lilypad comprises of three marinas and three mountain regions with streets and structures strewn with foliage. "The goal is to create a harmonious coexistence of humans and nature," said Callebaut.

With a central fresh water lagoon acting as ballast, the whole construction would be carbon neutral utilizing solar, thermal, wind, hydraulic, tidal and osmotic energies.

jon posted this at 8:19 AM
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