This floating city designed by AI may become a new home for 50,000 people

Over the past few years, the concept of a floating city, which previously appeared in literature and film, has captured the public’s attention. Architecture firms across the globe have been sharing their vision of a sustainable floating community, and some projects, such as the Maldives Floating City, are set to welcome first residents in 2024. 

Recently, an international team of architects and designers has revealed images of a new, sustainable floating city. The project, developed with the help of Artificial Intelligence, includes several renewable energy sources, such as wind, water turbines, and solar panels. The Floating City could house more than 50,000 people.

Like any other city, the 25-acre floating community will be divided into different neighborhoods. Each neighborhood will contain hi-rise and low-rise buildings with curved lines, oval shapes, and white façades. The Floating City will also have office buildings, government departments, hospitals, all-level schools, and universities.

“The project combines sustainability with population density and it aims to build up a zero-energy city with 100% green transport systems,” says the press release. “The sustainable city allows its residents to get into a healthier lifestyle, in connection with natural elements, re-thinking the traditional concept of community and society.”

As climate change advances, floating cities might become a new solution for rising sea levels. This Floating City, developed by Luca Curci Architects and Tim Fu Design, will utilize photovoltaic glass to generate electricity and make the community energy-independent. Other eco-friendly design choices include water desalination, energy storage solutions, green zones, and vertical gardens. Residents of the Floating City will also be able to grow their own food. 

The new floating community is also designed as a tourist destination. Some floating areas will have hotels, spas, sports centers, and shopping malls. Those who want to visit this city could reach it by water or air. Travelers might use one of the docks or droneports. The Floating City will be presented to the public for the first time at the 2023 Biennale Architettura exhibition.

Resources:

“Yet Another Futuristic Floating City Concept Is Here,” by  Katherine McLaughlin (Architectural Digest, 2023) 

“Architects release plans for a futuristic floating city,” by Hannah Frishberg (New York Post, 2023)