The Maldives, in partnership with architecture studio Waterstudio, is embarking on an ambitious project to develop a floating city designed to house 20,000 people. Situated in a lagoon near the capital city of Male, the Maldives Floating City represents a groundbreaking solution to the pressing issue of rising sea levels.
The Maldives Floating City, set to contain 5,000 low-rise floating homes within a 200-hectare lagoon, will be the world’s first true floating island city. Construction is planned to begin later this year, with the city being just a 10-minute boat ride from Male. This innovative development will rise with the sea levels, ensuring its sustainability and longevity. The city will feature a series of hexagonal-shaped floating structures inspired by brain coral, creating a unique and futuristic urban landscape.
With 80% of the Maldives sitting less than one meter above sea level, the country faces significant threats from climate change. Predictions suggest that the Maldives could become uninhabitable by 2100 due to rising sea levels. The Maldives Floating City offers a proactive solution, providing a safe haven for both locals and foreigners. The government aims to begin relocating residents to the floating city as early as 2024.
Recent satellite images provided by Newsweek Maxar Technologies reveal the initial construction phases of the Maldives Floating City. These images show the modular floating platforms taking shape in the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. The city, designed in a hexagonal grid pattern, will eventually connect to an outer ring of barrier islands that will act as wave breakers.
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The floating city will be built on hexagonal islands that mimic the geometric patterns of brain coral. These islands will not only house residences but also hotels, restaurants, shops, a hospital, a school, and government buildings. Each 100-square-meter seafront residence will include a jetty and a rooftop terrace, priced from $250,000.
The design of the Maldives Floating City draws inspiration from the country’s rich sea-faring culture. Dutch Docklands, the developer, emphasized the importance of integrating traditional elements with cutting-edge technology and sustainability practices. The city will also feature artificial coral banks attached to the underside of the floating platforms to encourage natural coral growth, further enhancing the marine ecosystem.
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Despite some delays due to political negotiations, the construction of the Maldives Floating City is moving forward. The first residents are expected to move in within 14 months. This project stands out among other floating city proposals, such as Oceanix Busan by BIG and Samoo, due to its scale, speed of implementation, and full governmental support.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has highlighted the severe risks posed by climate change, particularly for small island nations like the Maldives. The floating city concept is a viable solution for urban development in the face of rising sea levels. Other suggested solutions include elevating houses on stilts and creating amphibious architecture.
The Maldives Floating City could serve as a model for other nations facing similar threats from climate change. It showcases how innovative design and sustainability can coexist to create resilient urban environments. As the world continues to grapple with climate change, projects like this offer hope and practical solutions for future urban development.
