Rotterdam Experiments With Floating Buildings
Baku, January 28 (AZERTAC). The Dutch city of Rotterdam, which has committed to reducing carbon emissions by 50%, also has rising seas on its mind.
There, planners are looking at the potential of floating, solar-powered structures to address the challenge.
The Floating Pavilion prototype is a series of connected spheres currently moored at the city`s old harbor. That location was picked because of its relatively calm water and low waves, but the structure is designed to be easily towed and relocated.
The spheres sit on top of "islands" made out of five layers of expanded polystyrene sheets ranging from 20 centimeters to 75 centimeters thick. Again, lightness is a major consideration - but the structure also has to be sturdy enough to accommodate groups of visitors without making them feel seasick.
Inside, the heating and air conditioning run on solar energy and systems powered by surface water. The electricity runs in zones, so it can be directed only where needed. The pavilion`s rest rooms use self-contained purification systems for the toilets. An auditorium in the building can accommodate up to 150 people.
The Floating Pavilion, designed by Deltasync and PublicDomain Architects and constructed by Dura Vermeer, is a precursor to an entire community of floating homes envisioned by the Rotterdam Climate Initiative, the organization driving the city`s ambitious sustainability plan.
Rotterdam plans to build floating urban districts. The blueprint calls for 13,000 climate-proof houses in the Stadshavens area by 2040 - of which around 1,200 would be built on top of the water. People will live, shop, work and recreate on the water.
For the first five years, the pavilion will serve as a center that demonstrates innovative and inspiring approaches to climate, energy and water.
Other news in this section
