Aquapelago - Sustainable Urbanism Concept

Cracow Technical University (Politechnika Krakowska), Kraków

Project idea

We are now facing humanity's greatest challenge of the 21st century. The progressive effects of climate change combined with the rapid growth of the global population clearly indicate that the current urban organisms need to change. In the next few years, the problems of rising sea levels and extreme weather events are expected to intensify. Because of this, some of the population will be forced to resettle, exacerbating land shortages. In the face of these threats, it is necessary to redefine existing solutions
and adaptation to current climate change and reduce the negative effects of human activities.

Project description

Aquapelago is a universal model of a floating city that responds to contemporary problems of climate change and land scarcity. The model involves the creation of potential models for future floating urbanism projects. The project adopts the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals as fundamental, providing the basis for an innovative and sustainable approach in architecture, economy and infrastructure. Pushing the boundaries, in this case between land and water, is always an opportunity for change. Aquapelago hopes to heal contemporary urban metabolisms. Floating cities are new models of living space in which residents are forced to cooperate and make collective decisions about resources, energy and the economy. Such models of social space are proving to be crucial in the fight against climate change, as well as building strong public participation. Aquapelago is implementing new social models that can set new standards in urban planning and design.

The specific location, in this case the Maldives archipelago, was taken symbolically. The Republic of Maldives is a low-lying archipelago located in the Indian Ocean that faces a serious threat of rising sea levels. There is a real risk to the complete loss of its territory, prompting radical action. A specific location will allow for a more substantive presentation of the project, based on existing cultural and spatial conditions.

Technical information

The project is based on a simple construction of pontoon bridges, interconnected with each other
and floating on the water, while providing convenient living conditions for the city's population. Taking inspiration from ship design, the basic element of each unit is a platform with a rigid structure that floats on water and resists water pressure. For the outer covering of the structure, recycled plastic harvested from the cleanup of the oceans and seas was used. The city building was designed as a structure made of laminated wood and 3D printing. The idea is that each element of the city is capable of being made in a shipyard, then transported to its final destination and connected.

Aquapelago's main premise is a circular economy, in which the concept of "waste" has been excluded. The project involves the use of modern technological solutions in all sectors. All energy produced at Aquapelago comes from renewable energy sources and is used rationally and as efficiently as possible. Achieving such results is possible, thanks to the diversification of sources and innovative interaction systems. The city uses its full economic potential and offers a wide range of opportunities, which contributes to the competitiveness of the solution in global markets.

Created in: