Exploring Design of Floating Urban Developments

Abstract

Rising sea levels are placing increasing strain on densely populated coastal areas, challenging the sustainability of land reclamation as a long-term strategy. To address these pressures, a combination of innovative approaches is needed to create climate-resilient spaces for human activities. Among these, floating technologies show significant potential as part of a broader suite of adaptive solutions. While promising, the large-scale implementation of floating structures in coastal environments is still in its early stages. Scaling these technologies involves overcoming significant hurdles, including engineering and design complexities, governance and legislative constraints, ecological considerations, and social acceptance. To tackle these challenges, we propose a comprehensive methodology for designing floating developments. This methodology considers urban density, wave interactions and environmental conditions, acknowledging the complex interplay among these factors. Its broader scope reflects a multidisciplinary perspective, combining urbanism, environmental science, and hydrodynamics. By synthesizing multidisciplinary considerations, this methodology provides a structured framework to support the design, development, and governance of large-scale floating structures.