Floating islands - solutions for living space in the future

In the context of an increasingly narrow land area due to rising sea levels and a growing population, artificial islands will be an effective way to create more living space in the future.

Dutch researchers on July 11 unveiled a "floating island" model, an innovative solution for housing, ports, farms and parks that can be realized in the next two decades.

With 87% of floating triangles of various sizes, this giant artificial island is made of concrete or steel, can stretch 1.5-2km or has a total area of ​​3km ² .

For centuries, the Netherlands has been faced with serious invasion of seawater and the country is being protected by a complex system of dikes and canals.

Due to the lack of space, some cities in this small Nordic country began to consider floating solutions, such as the floating park on the river, when it wanted to have a recreational area near the city center. .

If the plan to build the artificial island becomes a reality, this will be a turning point in the history of the country on this lowland.

Ports and floating cities are an innovative solution that reflects Holland's long-standing maritime tradition.

According to researcher Olaf Waals of the Dutch Maritime Research Institute (MARIN), in the age of sea level rise, the city is crowded and the maritime activities are enhanced, the construction of dykes and pumping of sand can be considered the most effective method.

This expert emphasized that ports and floating cities are an innovative solution that reflects Holland's long-standing maritime tradition.

Director MARIN Bas Buchner said the discussions on the project with the regional authority Haarlemmermeer and Lelystad airport are underway. Both locations are near Amsterdam.

However, the above project is currently in the first phase. Artificial islands will lie on the coast and are anchored to the seabed.

Tests will be conducted to test whether these artificial islands can withstand the weather and the tide movement, energy and fuel independence, and the ability to affect Habitat of marine life and cost.

In the July 11 experiment, a 6m * 8m floating island model made of wood and polystyrene plastic was placed in a giant water tank to simulate natural conditions like wind, waves and storm.

With the cooperation of many countries, the project called "Sea Space" received financial support of about 1.6 million euros (1.8 million USD) to conduct research for 3 years on The model is used for artificial islands of this type, from fish farms and marine algae to floating ports and cities. Technically, this technology can be deployed in the next 10-20 years.

According to MARIN , such solutions are part of the "green future" towards sustainable and long-term options to utilize the oceans and seas that cover 70% of the Earth's surface area.

In the context that the Netherlands is under pressure to seek more living space, this country will have to return to take advantage of water. Buchner director affirmed that the Netherlands is always a pioneer in this field.