Could The Future of Floating be Green. Architectural Thesis MArch

ADAPTING

Could

Fig1: Floating Green House in London

Abstract

The world that we live in is changing and we need to change with it. With the changes in the natural world such as the rise of sea levels, architecture will have to adapt and be designed in a way that correlates with the new environment. This will be by designing and building with water at the heart of everything. Floating architectural communities and installations will be a normality, used everywhere in the world.

There are already many communities that are experiencing this and are living on floating accommodation amongst water for either the majority of the year or the whole year. Architects have already been designing dwellings and infrastructures to float in water for many years. The issue is that many of these creations have only been created to adapt to the increase of water levels, but not for a further future of introducing nature and other green elements to the floating world. With the current decrease in land available for use all over the world and especially in coastal urban environments, floating nature installations will become more of a necessity.

This thesis showcases the journey I took to create an exhibition representing “the future of greening in the new floating environments” of the future. There will be an analysis of green communities and the benefits accumulated from living in a green community. This thesis will draw from basic understanding of how to float objects in water and also look at various floating communities and installations to understand the design characteristics. This all aided in the final outcome

Fig2: The Green Light

Exabition

The Current State and why there needs to be a change in Floating Structures

We live in an era that is defined by environmental consciousness and the need for sustainable design solutions. The rise of waterborne structures opens a unique area of possibilities. There are many challenges posed by climate change and urbanization. This has led to the integration of green spaces within architectural installations, which has become a pivotal aspect of introducing an ecological balance in our cities and also human wellbeing. This architectural thesis embarks on a journey to explore and address the notable gap on lack of greening in floating architectural installations. Floating architectural installations are defined by there relationship with water bodies, whether they be in the ocean, ponds or rivers cutting through cities. They offer a wealth of innovation and creative design, but amongst these amazing creations a critical aspect is often left neglected. This is the incorporation of green elements, that not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of the structures but also contribute significantly to the environmental sustainability of the local areas. By using various different case studies and design propositions, we aim to redefine the relationship between floating architectural installations and their surrounding ecosystems. The aim is to inspire architects, urban planners and environmental advocates to consider the potential of floating structures not only as aesthetical landmarks but as active contributors to a greener more resilient urban fabric that can be described as green oases afloat.

The current state of architectural installations is often driven by a combination of functional needs and aesthetical aspirations. This can be seen in many installations across the world, from floating homes in the Netherlands (Fig3) to cultural centers and recreational facilities such as schools in Nigeria. These structures are becoming more and more frequent and are increasingly capturing the imaginations of architects and urban designers all over the world.

Fig3: Floating Homes in Amsterdam with no greenery

There is a shortage of land to build on

Building on water has been seen as the solution to population pressures and land scarcity, and examples of this can be seen in Monaco’s reclaimed land which accounts for 12% of Monaco’s 2sq km and also Singapore’s 100sq km (Fig4) which accounts for 17% of its reclaimed land (Wang 2007). There are many issues with land reclamation, these include loss of natural habitats as land reclamation often involves filling in wetlands and mangroves which damage coastal ecosystems, resource depletion as projects require large amounts of sand, gravel and other natural resources, social and cultural impacts as communities become displaced and also they cause large destruction to marine life.

Floating architectural installations are a more sustainable way which offer a unique advantage to densely populated urban areas, especially areas that are known to be prone to flooding. The water born platforms utilize water bodies by optimizing land use, mitigate the effects of land scarcity and also contribute to the revitalization of waterfronts especially with 90% of metropolitan cities being situated in coastal regions which will be vulnerable to rising sea levels. This will impact the human population drastically with 60% of global urban populations due to reside in cities by 2030 (Chias, P. and Hernandez , S. 2022).

The absence of green infrastructure in these installations has created a missed opportunity which could enhance their environmental impact. Greenery plays a crucial role in many different things, an example of this is the urban heat island effect, improved air quality,

providing habitats for nature to flourish and also promoting human healthy wellbeing. As the demand for sustainable architecture continues to rise, and also the demand for floating architectural installations, there is going to be a growing need to address the absence of green elements in these floating architectural installations. By prioritizing the integration of greenery into the design, architects and urban planners can develop floating environments that not only meet the functional requirements for the inhabitants but also contribute positively to the health and wellbeing and sustainability of our cities and waterways.

A great example of how humans have adapted to their surroundings due to the environmental changes induced by climate change, whilst also utilising green floating architecture, can be observed in the communities living on the Tonle Sap Lake in South East Asia, Cambodia. These communities serve as a compelling model for envisioning the potential of green eco-friendly urban water settlements in the future. Information on this is shown in case study 1.

Fig4: Singapore Land Reclamation and future reclamation expansion

Fig6: Houses on stilts in Kampong

Fig7: Tonel Sap Lake Communities, South East

Strucuture

Fig8: Construction of floating installations on

Fig5: Constant Floating

Case Study 1: The Sustainable Community that adapted to the changing Environment in Asia

In Cambodia there is a community of people who live on Tonle Sap Lake (Fig7), which is the largest lake in South Asia. During the dry period the lake is around 2600 kms but this increases to 24600kms during the rainy period. This has lead to different types of floating architectural constructions on and around the lake. On the lake in the Chong Khneas Village their architectural installations are constantly floating (Fig5), as they need to stay closest to the fish. Whilst in the Kampong Phluk villages their architectural installations are not floating but instead are on six-meter-high stilts that lift the buildings high above the water and connected to the lake bed using ropes attached to sticks (Fig6).

A great way that these installations show green architecture is in their choice of material considerations. The buildings are constructed using simple timber posts and beam structures, lightweight bamboo, mangrove and wood, with the roof structures normally being constructed using bamboo leaves, thatching and also occasionally corrugated iron. These are all very sustainable materials as they are able to be locally sourced, renewable, and also have minimal environmental impact throughout their life-cycle. On the other hand their floating houses also require constant maintenance. This leads to them being rebuilt roughly every three years using the same materials to maintain their culture. The floating villages don’t only contain places of dwelling but also social environments such as floating schools.

The installations in Cambodia present different aspects of great green floating Architecture. The Chong Khneas community also integrate extremely well with their natural environment, an example of this is they way they are able to adapt their homes to the different seasonal flux of the Sap Lake and their coexistence with the lake’s ecosystem, from having homes that are constantly floating on the river to having homes on stilts above the water. It is said that “the youngsters in the area learn how to paddle before they can walk” This shows just how the people of the area have adapted to their environment very well. The human ecology is influenced by the annual flood pulse and the water levels (Tidwell 2016). This is represented in the way they sustainably fish in the area which helps to minimize their effects on the local ecology. Thus, in turn minimising the disruption to the biodiversity of the local area. Their minimal environmental impact extends further to their use of traditional construction techniques and use of locally sourced materials. Their floating homes are light weight and non-invasive to the lake, meaning they allow the free flow of water and natural processes of the lakes eco system. Their floating homes also encourage economic sustainability in the area, as they economy thieves mainly on their fishing, aquaculture and also tourism. All these methods provide economic growth whilst still minimizing the environmental impact.

“the youngsters in the area learn how to paddle before they can walk”

By studying and analysing the Chong Khaneas Village people, it is noticeable to see that their practice in traditional construction knowledge and adaptive sustainable strategies are incorporated into their design and construction methods of their floating homes, have resulted in them creating forms of sustainable green floating architecture that is easily replicatable. They offer valuable knowledge in how contemporary efforts in green floating architecture can be achieved.

What is Greening and How To Float?

To first understand the importance of green in future floating architectural installations, it is key to understand what is meant by greening, as introducing greening to floating architecture will help create a leap towards sustainable and healthier built environments.

It is crucial to understand that there is great positive significance to incorporating green elements to all architectural installations and not just floating installations. These positive impacts extend beyond just aesthetics, but also includes environmental considerations and huge impacts on human health and wellbeing.

It has been studied that the absence of greening in floating architectural installations, especially in floating communities can have drastic environmental consequences that impact biodiversity in the area, water quality and also create dramatic urban heat island effects. Without having elements such as vegetation as shown green countires such as in singapore (Fig9), floating installations are un able to provide key sustainable habitats that could be vital for various species such as birds and insects, which are key to our eco systems. This leads to a loss of biodiversity in our water systems. (Sinnett 2015) States that there is a growing understanding that biodiversity is fundamental to sustaining ecosystem processes and functions, which human survival and welfare depend upon. This means that to maximise the services provided by introducing green infrastructure is essential

for bio diversity to be prioritiesed.

“Green cities create sustainable ecosystems ”

Fig9: Singapore is rated as one of the Greenest countries in the world

Why is it Important to Green a City

A city can be described as “a human settlement that is designed for humans and not ecological wellbeing” Cohen, S. and Guo, D. (2021). Kahn, M.E. (2006) States that a green city is a city that has clean air, water, pleasant streets and parks. They also encourage sustainable behaviour from the inhabitants. This means that a green city is a city that looks after the health of its inhabitants and also the health of the environment. These things are very important for architects and city planners to take into account when designing. This shows that by designing future floating architectural installations green, the health of the local inhabitants will be increased.

A green city can also be described as a sustainable city. ICLEI-Local which is the government for sustainability, states that

sustainable cities work towards an environmentally, socially, economically healthy and resilient habitats for the existing population, without compromising future generations from being able to experience the same environmental benefits. Cities are a transformation of physical environments to built environments.

How does Greening Benefit Communities

Greening a city creates beneficial ecosystems for both its inhabitants and also the environment. These ecosystems can be categorized into different services. Jurgen Breuste has a professorship for Urban Ecology at the University of Salzburg in Austria and is also a lecture at the University of Bucharest and also the University of Applied Sciences of Stuttgart in Germany and Salzburg in Austria. He published a journal titled “Making Green Cities, concepts, Challenges and Practice” (Breuste, J. 2023) He argued that green cities create sustainable ecosystems which lead to

different constituents of wellbeing. services which lead to different constituents of wellbeing. These are all stated in (Fig10). Breuste states that a green city is a city where all forms of nature are preserved, maintained and extended for the benefits of the city’s residents. This can be reached with the development of urban nature.

The Problems caused with lack of greening on urban environments.

The lack of green infrastructure in floating urban environments contributes to many environmental problems. These include problems such as the urban heat island effect. As more people migrate to urban areas it is important to mitigate a heat island effect. Urban areas tend to experience higher temperatures compare to rural areas because of heat absorption properties of the built environment. The urban heat island effect occurs because expansion of urban areas replaces natural green land cover with surfaces such as asphalt and concrete for roads and pavements, and bricks and stones for buildings (Fig11). These modifications caused to the land surfaces by humans absorb and retain far greater heat than greenery, which create heat trapping environments (Oke, 1982). Reducing the urban heat island effect requires strategic urban planning and design, with a key aim in increasing vegetation cover and enhancing green spaces which in turn help moderate urban temperatures, improve air quality and also help increase the urban biodiversity. This helps to create a more resilient and liveable city. Examples of this have been seen in Singapore (Fig9) where over 7 million trees were planted, creating more that 300 parks (Omolere, 2023).

Another key urban environmental problem caused by absence of green in floating architectural installations is the degradation of water quality in the surrounding area, compared to when greening is introduced. This is due to the lack of natural filtration and purification process that can be introduced vegetation in the waterways. There are examples of green methods on water ways in cities such as Singapore where floating gardens and green roofs were introduced to their water fronts that improved the water quality in their urban water environments. These systems are selfsustaining natural systems of plants and soil that require minimal maintenance, they can be seen as

vegetated swells, bio-retention swales (Fig12), bioretention basins, sedimentation basins, constructed wetlands and cleansing biotopes which are scattered all over Singapore. These systems are very effective removing pollutants from the waters (Liao 2019).

Fig11: Urban Heat Island Effect in New York

Fig12: A bioretention swale near the Kallang River at

Fig13: MAST developement of the “Land on Water” project, a system that provides an adaptable solution to

on

Creating Urban Nature

The incorporation of greening in floating architectural installations will help improve urban nature (Fig14). Urban nature is the utilisation of all the natural elements in urban areas, this also extends not only to green plants in urban environments, but also include their ecosystems and also their functional relationship with relation to their use. This means that Urban Nature exists in all living things in urban areas. Most urban nature exists mainly in open spaces distributed around urban environments, but then can also be found on buildings in the form of green walls or inside and around buildings. These natural elements within an urban environment can include parks, trees, wetlands and also even water bodies themselves. Floating architectural instillations can utilize urban nature to help with greening urban waterfronts such as rivers and shorelines by incorporating different methodsimplemented in Liverpool on Wapping Dock (Fig14) where they constructed a floating ecosystem comprised of exposed estuarine habitat, pollinator planting and also an underwater reef structure.

(Kowarik 2016) suggests that there are four types of urban nature approaches. The first one being the primeval and historical forms of land use for nature such as forests and wetlands. The second nature is agricultural land, which is slowly in decline due to the expansion of urban areas. This includes meadows, pastures and grasslands. The third nature is described as symbolic nature, which can be found in parks or even gardens. These are known as urban greens and are used to shape city landscapes whilst also aiding in increasing the aesthetic value of a city. The fourth urban nature forms are the forms of nature which are not purposely planted but instead emerge naturally such as urban shrubs. Floating Architectural installations should utalise all these four methods of urban greening.

“when designed strategically with greening in mind they can help urban waterfronts become more sustainable and resilient to the ever-changing urban environment”

Fig14: Liverpool’s Wapping Dock, Floating Ecosystem.

How Green Floating Installations can improve urban nature

Architects should be increasingly utilising floating architectural installations in a green manner to increase urban nature. This can be accomplished in coastal urban environments in many different ways. As stated previously, this can be by introducing sustainable practices such as floating gardens and green roofs. These green practices will increase biodiversity in the areas, improve air quality and also surge an increase in valuable habitats for wildlife in the local areas. These floating green spaces can include native plants from the surrounding areas, shrubs, flowering and vegetation which all help create diverse attractive ecological environments.

nature-based shoreline protection systems can help to enhance the overall heath and resilience of urban waterfronts.

Another way that urban nature can be increased using floating installations is by introducing floating wetlands and vegetated buffers. Introducing floating wetlands and vegetated buffers along the edges of different floating installations is a green and sustainable method of improving water quality, reducing nutrient run off and also enhancing aquatic habitats by filtering valuable nutrients back into water systems. This can also be utilised by introducing riparian habitats into floating installations such as submerged vegetation, floating rafts and also underwater green structures, as they can provide crucial nesting grounds to aquatic species, which also help in increasing the biodiversity in the area.

Utilising nature-based shore line protection can also help with increasing urban nature. This can be accomplished by introducing measures such as mangroves, marshes and also coastal vegetation. These provide many benefits such as protecting against coastal erosions and also act as flood defences against storms and sea level rises. Introducing these

It is crucial to understand that floating architectural installations when designed strategically with greening in mind can help urban waterfronts become more sustainable and resilient to the ever-changing urban environment. Communities can also benefit from this as incorporating green elements into floating architectural installations can help boost many health benefits to inhabitants which would otherwise be missing out on if these iterations were not present. Benefits include enhanced mental wellbeing due to the increased access to nature. Exposure of green spaces are linked to aiding in stress reduction, improved mood and also enhanced cognitive functions. This is because of many aspects that don’t include the greenery itself. Examples of this include the use of the spaces, as people are more motivated to partake in some form of physical activity in green spaces such as walking and jogging. Research shows that people are also more likely to have social interactions in these green spaces, whether planned or unplanned. This social contact creates positive effects on moods and stress levels. In urban environments this can be very beneficial as people often seek attractive natural environments for relaxation as it allows them to escape from demanding situations of a busy city (Thompson 2012).

A great example of how architects may increase urban nature in waterscapes by utilising green floating installations can be represented by the Jelly Fish Barge exhibition (Fig15), shown in case study 2.

Fig15: The Jelly Fish Barge with

Solar Panels

Fig17: Inside the Jellyfish barge and the system of

Fig18: Inside the Jellyfish barge and the system of

Fig19: The system of aquaponics used on The Jelly Fish Barge

Fig20: The construction of the Jelly Fish Barge

Fig16: The Jellyfish Barge floating on a

Greenhouse

Wooden Raft Strucuture Recycled Plastic Barrels

Case Study 2: A sustainable innovation that could change Urban Agriculture.

Designers Cristiana Favretto and Antonio Giraridi recognised that the earths increasing population will be a problem and that access to clean water and sustainable agriculture will become very important. They designed and created a floating greenhouse (Fig16) known as the Jelly Fish Barge, which is capable of growing food using the process of hydroponics (Fig19) and also produce roughly 150 litres of fresh drinking water. The base of the barges is constructed using 96 recycle plastic barrel drums, which are all joined together using a wooden base which is roughly 70sqm. Wood is then also used to create the structure which then is enclosed using glass sheets to create a greenhouse (Fig17). The barges use solar distillation to give the plants their much-needed water. The solar distillation occurs by using moist air being forced to condense within the drums that are in contact with the cold water. The barges only require solar energy to power pumps and fans by using photovoltaic panels, mini wind turbines and also a system that harnesses wave energy. The octagonal shape of the barges means that the size of them can be expanded if needed to support larger communities as one barge can supply food for roughly two families.

The Jellyfish barge is an innovative approach to agriculture, which can be deployed anywhere in the world. It represents great green architectural design in many different ways. The modular and scalable design features mean that the barge can be utilised in many scales and be uprooted anywhere, making it flexible to be adapted to various environmental conditions and programme requirements. The use of hydroponics also optimizes as a sustainable alternative of growing and cultivating plants, which uses less water than traditional methods of planting. This may become key in a future where cultivating land is scares. Whilst the use of water filtration and recycling helps to reduce the environmental impact of the barges whilst also improving the water quality of where the jelly fish barge is located.

The Jelly Fish Barge is a great example of addressing how green floating architecture can be utilised to face world challenges such as food security and water scarcity, whilst still promoting innovation and community wellbeing. All of this whilst also being a floating installation that can be introduced anywhere in the world. This showcases how green floating installations can be impactful in aiding communities to face drastic challenges such as lack if cultivating land, which is key to the production of food that we as humans rely on.

Understanding the Theory of Floating to help make the Exhibition

When thinking about my exhibition, it was important to understanding the theory and principles of how to float. Getting a large object to float in water requires an understanding of the theory of hydrostatics. There was a great mathematician who discovered this theory, his name was Archimedes of Syracuse who was also well known for many other studies such as the discovery of Pi.

Water is a liquid that can only take a pressure force. It cannot take any tensile or shear force, which makes it very difficult to build on as the pressure load force needs to be distributed evenly. In Archimedes study of floating bodies he mentions several propositions. These propositions are also known as The Law of Archimedes. When an object is placed in water, the water exerts an upwards force know as upthrust. On a piece of wood, the upthrust makes it float, but on a brick the upthrust makes its weight seem less than normal. (Pople 1995).

In Archimedes 3rd proposition he states that, solids those which, size for size, are of equal weight with a fluid will, if let down into the fluid, be immersed so that they do not project above the surface but do not sink lower.

In his 4th proposition he states that if a solid is lighter than a fluid, if immersed in the fluid, it will not be completely submerged, but part of it will project above the surface.

In his 5th proposition he states that, any solid that is lighter than a fluid will, if placed in the fluid, be so far immersed that the weight of the solid will be equal to the weight of the fluid displaced.

In his 6th proposition Archimedes states that, if a solid is lighter than a fluid, it will be forcibly immersed in it, the solid will be driven upwards by a force equal to the difference between its weight and the weight of the fluid will be displaced. This means the action force is the same as the reaction force. This is also called the principle of buoyancy.

Finally in his 7th proposition, he states that a solid heavier than a fluid will, if placed in it, descend to the bottom of the fluid, and the solid will, when weighed in the fluid, be lighter than its true weight by the weight of the fluid displaced. This means that a solid object which is heavier than a

fluid will sink

Archimedes’ principle (2023)

All of these principles can be helpful to Architects when they determine the state at which they may want to float their structures. Whether they want the design to be fully submerged above water, or be semi submerged with part of it in water and the rest above water.

Understanding Archimedes 6th proposition further helps with designing a floating base for the architectural installation on water. This proposition touches on the theory of Hydro statistics and Buoyancy. As stated previously in the 6th proposition, If a solid is lighter than a liquid, it will be forcibly immersed in it, the solid will then be driven upwards by a force equal to the difference between its weight and the weight of the fluid displaced. This means that the action force will be equal to the reaction force, which is also known as buoyancy. With this law it means that the immersion of floating objects can be specifically calculated for each shape that may be used.

Testing different forms to understand Hydrostatics

The key principle of hydrostatics is that the object placed on water has to be lighter or an equal weight to the water displaced. To accomplish architects and engineers use light materials such as polystyrene, wood and light concrete in their floating constructions. These materials can be both used to create the base in which the object is placed on which acts as a pontoon. Most pontoons are made of concrete but then filled with polystyrene in the middle.

To aid with my designing of my floating exhibition it was important to test out different forms and pontoon designs. To replicate construction materials used in floating architecture I acquired similar modelling materials (Fig21), these included foam and wood, and cork. The stability of each of the structures I modelled was then tested using a plastic cup. This would give me an idea of how the base structures reacted when a light object was placed on top of them.

Fig21: The craft material I used to model my test structures.

Form 1: Using Square Pontoon

This design used foam blocks, green wire and basewood. The foam blocks were attached with a wire which pierced into the middle of them (Fig24). The wire and foam replicated using columns and pillars attached to a square pontoons. On top of this structure, I added a square base. The base on the top was where I placed the cup to analyse the stability of the design.

Once I placed the cup on top of the base the structure descended slightly into the water but

was still stable enough to hold the cup on top of the structure (Fig22). This meant that the form became semi submerged, but because of the height of the green wire the base didn’t touch the water.

Fig22: Square Pontoon Model in Water

Fig23: Square Pontoon Model in Water

Fig24: Square Pontoon Model in Water

Form 2: Using Cylindrical Pontoons

This design was similar to form 1, but I wanted to see if changing the square foam blocks to a more cylindrical form would affect the stability of the design. I used two foam eggs that were sliced in half to create four curved pontoons (Fig25). Green wire was still used to create a platform to rest the cup on. When testing in

water I noticed that the rounded base of the foam eggs meant that the structure was semi submerged straight away but was more stabe than with the square foam pontoons (Fig26).

Fig25: Cylendrical Pontoon Model in Water

Fig26: Cylendrical Pontoon Model in Water

Fig27: Cylendrical Pontoon Model in Water

Form 3: Using Cork Pontoons

This test model was constructed using cock tops as the pontoons to hold the structure afloat. The cork pontoons were connected together using wooden craft sticks. The craft stick connection were in the shape of a square and crossed together in the middle to create enough space for a platform to occur which the cup could be placed on (Fig30).

When testing out the model I noticed that the cork would be semi submerged almost half way into the water with the other half being

above water with the rest of the structure. Once the cup was added to the top the floating model would still be very stable but would very descend into the water even more, making the base holding the cup become inline with the water (Fig28).

Fig28: Cork Pontoon Model in Water

Fig29: Cork Pontoon Model in Water

Fig30: Cork Pontoon Model in Water Top View

Form 4: Using a Flat Base Pontoon

This design was constructed using sliced cork as the pontoon. The inspiration was derived from analysing how it was common for pontoons to have a straight rectangular base. The cork base was attached together using wooden craft sticks and green wire (Fig33). The craft sticks went across the rows of sliced cork,

then the wire was wrapped around the sticks making sure everything stayed attached when placed in water. This was a simple yet very effective method of creating a pontoon.

When placed in water the corks were only slightly submerged in water, once the cup was added on top the position of the base didn’t change much and also stayed steady (Fig31).

The understating of the theory of how to float large structures can be recognised in many different cultures. An example of a community that utilised the floating theory in a green and sustainable manner using only raw natural resources is the Uros of South America

Fig31: Flat Base Cork Pontoon Model in Water

Fig32: Flat Base Cork Pontoon Model

Fig33: Flat Base Cork Pontoon Model in Water

Fig 35: The Uros Floating Islands on

Fig 36: The Uros Floating Islands Construction

Fig34: The Uros

built

Houses Reed Raft Strucuture

Case study 3: The Sustainable Community Using Natural Resources to create a floating Island

“The lake is viewed as sacred and a key part of their identity”

Lake Titicaca is one of the largest lakes in South America, situated on the boarders of Peru and Bolivia 3.812 m above sea level in the Andes Mountain range and roughly 8340kms. On the lake is a community of people known as The Uros-Indians. They have lived in these lakes for centuries on manmade islands constructed of lots of reeds stacked together to form pontoons. They first moved to the lake to retreat Incan rule and constructed the first of the islands out of reed boats that were tied together. This later expanded to into what it is today with many of these floating islands in close proximity to each other (Fig35). The floating reed islands require constant maintenance, with the bottom reeds that are rotting away being constantly pilled upon with fresh reeds roughly every three months. The islands get fully replaced every 30 years. The islands themselves are anchored to the lake bed using ropes attached to sticks. There are around forty islands on the lakes with everything on top of them being also constructed out of the reeds (Fig34). Fire is a large concern for the Uros people as the reed islands are highly flammable. Traditionally the Uros would use the totora reeds for all their needs, from constructing their islands, homes and also boats, and would mainly survive on fishing as agriculture isn’t able to be accomplished on their floating islands. They do on the other hand grow potatoes using the rotting totora reeds.

While the Uros don’t use modern architectural concepts, they have on the other hand used their traditional construction methods to incorporate sustainable and green principles into their floating installations. This is due to their use of environmentally practices. Such as their use of natural resources like the totora reeds which are commonly known for their buoyant properties and are harvested sustainably. Historic records from archeological research also show that the Uros have a long standing adaptation to the unique eco system of their surrounding on Lake Titicaca. Their islands are specifically designed to not only habour them, but to also coexist with the lakes natural habitat, which minimizes their environmental distruption. This is a result to their culutures and teachings as they believe in cultivating and irrigating their land. This was protraied in many of their myths and legends as being very important(Kalman 2003) Their floating islands symbolize a harmonious coexistence with their environment which is deep rooted in their indigenous beliefs and traditions. The lake is viewed as sacred and a key part of their identity. They emphasise the importance of respecting the lake which they depend heavily upon. They are key believers in promoting shared responsibility in looking after their environment which helps in the long-term sustainability and maintenance of the islands.

By studying and learning from the Uros communities, modern architects and urban planners can draw inspiration and insights for designing sustainable and resilient floating structures. Floating structures that show principles of green architecture from the use of natural materials (Fig36), to relationships with the environment and also minimal environmental disruption.

Modern Traditional Ways that are used Float objects

Currently, creating floating structures in modern times involves a combination of engineering and intercut architectural design to accommodate desired individual requirements of the floating structure. To accomplish this various step are taken. Beginning with a site assessment and planning, which includes a thorough investigation of the site and factors such as water depths, currents, wave action and also environmental regulations. The next stages include developing a conceptual design, taking into account various aspects such as functional requirements, desired

architectural aesthetics and also the sustainability goals of the project. The next stage includes selecting appropriate materials for the construction. The factors taken into account when deciding on the materials include, the buoyancy, durability, corrosion resistance and also the environmental impact of the materials. Next the weight of the floating objects determine which methods floating techniques are used, with the most frequent being pontoons. Pontoons can either be constructed out of concrete or steel/ aluminium. Concrete Pontoons (Fig39) are constructed by pouring concrete into large moulds. inside the concrete there is a foam void which is wrapped by high density polyethylene and finally coated with concrete. Because of the foam void the pontoon is light in weight making it perfect for floating on water. Concrete pontoons are most commonly used for floating docks in mariners as they are easy to assemble. Steel/ Aluminium pontoon platforms are similar to concrete pontoons, except they are constructed from steel and aluminium (Fig38). These platforms are used to support heavier loads than concrete pontoons, they are mainly used for offshore drilling platforms and other offshore industrial infrastructure. Not all floating structures are fully emersed above water. This is also stated in Archimedes 4th principle of floating on water. This method of floating is mainly used in areas where they may be rough unstable sea. They are commonly used on oil rigs (Fig37), but can also be able to support large buildings.

Fig37: Semi submerged oil

Fig38: Steel/Aluminum Pontoon

Fig39: Concrete Pontoon

The construction methods are also a key part. Often floating installations such as floating houses are prefabricated or use modular construction methods that can be constructed of site and then transported to the desired locations. When constructing floating installations, it is important to take into account the integration of floatation systems and stabilization systems. These could be mooring systems, anchors, or adjustable ballast which help to maintain the stability of the structures and also prevent them from excessive movements in response to the water movements form waves and high/low tides. A key aspect in the structural reinforcement of floating architectural installations is load distribution. Structural elements help withstand the loads imposed by not only the building itself, but also the occupants, furnishings and the environmental forces. The loads need to be distributed evenly across the whole floating platform to ensure that the platform doesn’t tilt to one side and subside.

It will be important for the future of floating architectural installations, that greening is considered through all the different stages of creating floating installations, from the initial site investigation stages to the final construction stages. A modern example of traditional floating techniques used on floating installations can be seen on Amsterdam’s Waterbuurt project in case study 4.

Houses Concrete Pontoon

Fig42: Waterbuurt community in Amsterdam

Fig43: The Waterbuurt Construction

Fig41: Waterbuurt communty participating in community events

Fig40: Waterbuurt house being transported to site by tugboat

Case Study 4: A modern adaptation to lack of housing space in Amsterdam.

The Netherlands is a country that has had to adapt to living on water for a long time, with Amsterdam being known for its architecture close to the water. Waterbuurt is Europe’s largest floating neighbourhood that has been developed in Amsterdam Designed by Dutch architect Marlies Rohmer (Fig43). It was developed to combat Hollands housing needs whilst still being able to manage with the rising sea level. The construction of the dwellings uses a concrete pontoon design to float the buildings. The house structures themselves are constructed from wood, aluminum and glass with the floating concrete block being fastened to mooring posts to allow the buildings to move up and down depending on water levels. The design of the floating homes utilises modern architectural techniques from their sleek lines to contemporary construction materials (Fig43). Many of the homes offer multiple levels, with rooftop terraces which provide views across the water. The Waterbuurt neighbourhood offer a sense of community, as there is cohesion among its residents. This is achieved by participate in community events, gatherings and also various other activities, which provide opportunities for the habitants to interact with each other and create cultural exchange (Fig41). The residents who live in the floating community have a sense of ownership

and take pride in their homes. This sense of ownership helps with the maintenance and management of the floating community. The homes are designed in a way that is adaptive to the water area, the floating foundations and flexible structures ensure that the community is adaptive and resilient to hazards such as flooding.

One thing that’s noticeable is that the Waterbuurt community can be made greener. An example of this is the lack planting and greenery in the community. A main reason for this is to limit obstruction in case of emergencies, so that the thin walk ways are empty and easy to escape thru. Other ways that the designs could encompass green living is with the introduction to sustainable infrastructure such as solar panels and green roofs. Introducing these systems will help increase the energy efficiency of the communities, promoting renewable energy use which reduce environmental impacts. The use of green roofs and vegetated surfaces would also help with providing additional insulation to the homes but also help increase the biodiversity in the area. The green roofs would also help reduce heat absorption and improve the air quality of the area, not only creating a habitat for plants and wildlife but also enhancing the ecological value of the floating homes. On the other hand, one way in which the Waterbuurt design shows green architecture, is in the modular construction method. The offsite prefabrication of the lightweight materials reduces construction waste and energy consumption while still making the design of them flexible. The construction of the floating homes take place in a nearby warehouse and then transported by tugboats to the desired locations (Fig40), meaning there is no disruption to the surrounding environment during the construction phase.

By studying how modern architects have taken to the challenge of building floating communities such as the Waterbuurt in Amsterdam, it is noticeable that there is promise on how floating communities can be green, with a few iterations the communities can become very sustainable and be a great way for future communities to thrive on water.

Sustainable Green Floating Installations Around the World

Fig44: The Future of Floating Communities, designed by BIG

Fig45: Transportation on BIG’s floating community

“BIG unveils Oceanix City concept for floating villages that can withstand hurricanesCity concept for floating villages that can withstand hurricanes”

There are many floating installations all over the world that have been designed and constructed in a method that utilises green architecture. This is from the materials used to the construction methods utilised, making them sustainable without causing an impact on the environment. The examples include Spiral Island in Mexico and Makoko floating school in Nigeria. There are also future sustainable green floating concepts such as BIG’s floating villages (Fig44) wich will be exciting to see how they turn out. But first let us look at the examples of what has already been constructed, and analyse them.

Fig46: Views from BIG’s floating community

House Recycled bottles and other waste material

Fig48: Richart Sowa holding Recycled bottles used to create Spiral Island floating base

Fig49: Green garden on Spiral Island

Fig50: The construction of Spiral Island

Fig47: Spiral Island visitor entrance

Case Study 5: Recycled Plastic

Bottle Floating Island in Mexico

A British Artist named Richart Sowa built floating islands in Mexico which consisted of recycled plastic bottles (Fig47). Sowa wanted to live an environmentally friendly lifestyle, so his way of doing this was creating his own sustainable island. The process begun by collecting plastic bottles along the coast of Mexico which over a long period of time totalled to roughly over 250,000 bottles (Fig48). These bottles were then held together using nets. The nets full of bottles were then attached to a base structure constructed out of bamboo poles and plywood, with the bottles being underneath. This created the floating base for the island. The base was then covered with wood and sand. Sowa then started planting trees and various plants, mainly for shade but the roots of these plants then grew around the bottles on the base, making them more stable. The island also included a house which was constructed out of plaited palm fronds forming the walls and plastic sheeting used as the roof. The house was liveable and had amenities such as self-composting toilet, wave powered washing machine and also solar panels. Unfortunately the island was destroyed in 2005 by hurricane Emily.

This is a prime example of green floating architecture due to its use of recycled materials,

“He wanted to live an environmentally friendly lifestyle, so his way of doing this was creating his own sustainable island”

sustainable design principle and the correlation with nature and the natural environment The use of recycled water bottles from the local nearby beaches are a creative solution to repurposing waste material. This helps to minimize the environmental impact of the floating architecture whilst also promoting recycling and the reduction of pollution in the surrounding area. The sustainable principles of design such as the natural ventilation and use of solar energy also promote green architecture. The spiral shape of the island is designed to allow optimal sun exposure and air flow which help in reducing the need for artificial heating and cooling of the island. The use of vegetation and greenery on the island such as the use of trees and shrubs help to enhance the biodiversity of the island (Fig49). This helps to contribute to the overall health of the ecosystem both on the island and also the marine life surrounding the island. The island engaged with local communities and visitors through educational visits which helped to promote green floating living, by educating the visitors of the importance of eco friendly practices, green technologies and the importance of preserving natural resources which in turn foster a culture of environmental stewardship.

By studying and analysing spiral island, it shows how green floating architectural installation can be achieved simply. It helps other creatives reimagine their relationship with their environment and explore simple alternative ways in with architecture can be made greener with the use of simple strategies that can be easily accomplished.

Fig52: Views from a classroom on top of the Makoko floating school

Fig53: Influence in China from the Makoko school design

Fig54: The construction of the Makoko School

Fig51: The Makoko floating school in Nigeria

School

Wooden Raft Strucuture

Recycled Plastic Barrels

Case Study 6: Floating School that inspired many

A Nigerian architect named Kunle Adeyemi discovered that there were kids in Mokoko didn’t have adequate facilities to learn and study in. The area of Makoko was prone to heavy flooding which meant it was difficult to construct on, because of this he came up with the idea of developing a floating island that could be utilised by the local inhabitants. The Makoko floating school is a school made of sustainable materials constructed on top of lagoon water in Lagos Nigeria (Fig51). The structure is supported with stilts obtained in the local neighbourhood. The use of wood was to reflect on the local communities and their culture. The design is a triangular A frame, with classrooms located on the second tier which are partially enclosed with louvered slats. There are green spaces around the classrooms and also an open air classroom on the roof of the school (Fig52). To make the design sustainable, the floating school encompasses techniques such as introducing PV cells on the roof and also rain water collection systems. The design also takes advantage of natural ventilation meaning there is no requirement for external energy sources to help ventilate the floating structure. The structure floats on water by using a set of barrels, the barrels are also used to store excess rainwater collected from the rain water collection systems. The design of the floating school influenced many other projects such as the design of a prototype launched in China which explore ecological intelligence and ways to tackle challenges caused by climate change (Fig53).

The school is a pioneering example of green floating architecture, as it addresses the unique environmental challenges faced by the community. The school embodies green principles from the sustainable construction and design techniques used. Built on recycled plastic barrels and locally sourced wood it reduces the environmental impact and also promotes resource efficiency. The passive design and use of cooling strategies such as natural ventilation and shading also promote green architecture is it reduces the need for external energy sources.

By analysing the floating school in Mokoko, it shows how a great form of green floating architecture can be simply adapted to meet many other functions, from the design of a school influencing the design of cultural spaces. This design can also be adapted to meet many other needs such as floating residential communities and can be expanded to create a whole floating community.

The reason I have shown these case studies as a great representation of green floating architecture is because they represent how green floating installations can be erected efficiently, with minimum design and expensive material considerations. They both use simple pontoon methods to float, one utilising recycled plastic bottles and the other utilising recycled plastic barrels. Both structures use renewable construction resources and also have sustainable ways of creating energy.

The Making of the Green Exhibition

When thinking about the exhibition, I first had to brain storm how I wanted the exhibition to represent greening a city. This led me through various avenues on how this could happen. Greening the city could be represented by just having greenery on the floating exhibition. Using Breuste, J ecosystem category of a green city I wanted the exhibition to be more than just a plant floating. This led to the idea of a green house. A green house will be able to fulfil all of Breustes green eco system services, from Provisioning as it would be able to provide fruit and vegetables to the community, regulating as the plants will have an effect on the air around by cleaning it, and also Cultural as the floating structure will be aesthetically pleasing and also be able to be used for various activities such as educational and recreational purposes.

The base of the green house is the most important part of the structure, as it makes sure that the structure can float on water whilst also supporting the weight of the users and the plants. Using recycled water bottles like on spiral island could be an option as the water bottles would be able to create enough buoyancy to be able to make the structure float. This method will also be exercising the key note of greening as it would utilising recycling which is key.

Making the structure modular will help the longevity of the design, as it would allow for the structure to expand into multiple uses and scales depending on future requirement

The use of aquaponics came to mind as a sustainable green technique of utilising the floating green house, whilst taking advantage of the water source that it is floating on. Aquaponics is a sustainable way of agriculture which utilises a system that combines the cultivation of plants with fish by using fish waste as nutrients for plants and the drained plant water as nutrients for the fish whilst purifying the water and filtering it back to the fish. This creates a closed loop eco system that can be used to both grow a variety of plants and also raise fish. This method of agriculture offers several advantages over traditional agricultural methods that include water conservation, reduced use of fertilizers and pesticides and can also be implemented in different scenarios such as urban environments where land availability may be limited. Rakocy (2004) conducted a serious of experiments to evaluate the productivity and sustainable aspects of aquaponics compared

to traditional methods of agriculture and discovered that aquaponics provided a higher yield for both plant growth and also fish whilst using less water. Using this method is a great way of representing greening in my exhibition, especially if the exhibition is constructed out of renewable sustainable materials.

Fig56: Test model of the Floating Green House

The Final Form

The final form utalises all the different aspects I learnt from my research. It forcuses on the the three main aspecs of greening that are represented in Breustes Eco System Services. These are Provisioning, Regulating and Cultural aspecs. The floating platform can be used to grow food and filter water through the processes of hydroponics, the greenery on the floating isntalation will aid in cleaning the air which highlight the need for regulating and finally the floating isntalation can be used for educational purposes such as teaching the community about the importance of sustainable design and cultivation but also be used for recreational purposes such as escaping the city and entering a calm environment. All of this is met whilst still looking eastetically pleasing..

renewable and biodegradable materials. These trypes of materials create small environmental impacts as they can be sourced sustainably minimizing habitat destruction, especly when used from recyled sources. Natural materials also have the ability to sequaster carbon dioxide from the atmosphere what intur help the environment, whilst also blending harmoniously with the surrounding environment. The design of my floating installation also includes edging, which tracks along the outline of the base. The edging can be utalised to grow tailing aquatic plants, which can aid the water source in many ways such as maintaining the health of the water system by providing services such as water filtration, utalizing the roots to stabalize shore lines and prevent soil errosion whilst naturally anchoring the floaitng isntalation. The planted edging also create a greate habitat for aquatic oraginsms anad fish as they can use it for shelter, which would increase the biodiversity of the area. The planted edging would also offer a great method of temperature regulation, by providing shading for the water source and reducing the themal stress of the aquatic species during harsh hot weather conditions.

More images will be in the apendix.

I constructed a miniture version of the floating instalation to test out how it would perform in water to make sure that the strucuture would be stable enough to withstand different water conditions (Fig56). The form of the structure takes insperation from the floating school in Makoko Nigeria. This is because during my floating form experiamnets, I descovered that using a triangular shape not only works very well at being modular, but also distributes weights evently across the whole platform.

The design utalises wood to create the tirangulated structure and recylced plastic bottles to create the effects of a pontoon. Using recyled materials for construction is a great way of imposing greening whilst also causing minimal distruption to the natural environment, an example of this was shown in the Spiral Island case study. These are great practices that future floating instalations should accomidate, as using sustainable local materials in consturction is a simple way of creating green structures. The use of natural materials aslo promotes greening by utalizing

The base of the floating installation can have many purposesm from being used to grow even more plants with the proccess of aquaponics, or even just as a space for recreational activities and educational purposes to promote a sense of community in the local area.

The instalation showcases how many differen benefits can be aquired by just designing floating instalations to be green.

Fig 55: The floating Green House on River Thames

This is a render showcasing how the floating instalation may look when multiple of them are constructed and put together to be utalised as a larger space.

Fig57: Test model of the Floating Green House

Fig58: Test model of the Floating Green House Top View

Conclusion

As demonstrated in this thesis, through the use of case studies of floating communities such as the Uros and the Waterbuurt communities, and floating exhibitions such as the Jelly fish barge, the exploration of green floating architecture can be utilized more frequently in architectural design and construction, especially in urban environments close to water ways. By examining the relationship between green elements and floating structures, this study has illuminated the multifaceted benefits of such integration. As the world we live in faces escalating environmental pressures and urbanization, the need to be designing sustainably, more resilient and with better environmental considerations is becoming more apparent.

The integration of green elements into floating architecture not only elevates the visual appeal of structures but also hosts many more benefits. These include the mitigation of the urban heat island effect as demonstrated in The Problems caused with lack of greening on urban environments chapter, enhancement of air quality, increased biodiversity and also the facilitation of healthier and more livable environments. These benefits are all mentioned by Brutes in the “Making Green Cities, concepts, Challenges and Practice” book. Case study 6, the Makoko Floating School in Nigeria, illustrates this, by representing the link between sustainable design and community well-being. This innovative design not only incorporates renewable and sustainable materials but also offers a unique educational environment that seamlessly integrates with its natural surroundings. The school’s simple yet effective design not only

provides a space for learning but also serves as a versatile communal hub for various activities, further enhancing community cohesion and resilience. As demonstrated by the Makoko Floating School and other pioneering projects, the integration of green elements into floating architecture holds immense promise for fostering sustainable urban development and improving the quality of life for communities worldwide.

A key reason why it is crucial to implement green methods in floating installations is because the utilization of green methods hold tremendous promise for reducing carbon footprints and also mitigate the effects of climate change. A prime illustration of this lies in the implementation of green roofs, which will not only act as natural insulators for floating structures but also facilitate carbon sequestration and enhance biodiversity. This dual functionality continues significantly to the attenuation of greenhouse gas emissions, thereby aiding in the fight against climate change. Case study 3 of the Uros and their reed floating islands is similar to using green roofs as it exemplifies the efficiency of using local renewable materials in sustainable construction practices. By crafting their entire island infrastructure from indigenous resources, which are then responsibly maintained and replaced every 30 years. The Uros demonstrate how a community can commit to a low carbon footprint living.

However, despite the benefits presented in this thesis, there are still some challenges that remain in scaling up and introducing greener floating installations. The challenges include limitations such as technological constraints, regulatory barriers and also economic viability which all need to be addressed. Additionally, there is a need for further research to explore more innovative solutions which could d benefit the natural environment.

As we navigate in an era marked by rapid urbanization, diminishing green spaces, and escalating environmental degradation, the importance to embrace green sustainable design practices has never been more urgent. By advocating for and implementing green initiatives in floating architecture, we not only address immediate challenges but also lay the groundwork for a more sustainable future. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, innovative technologies and a commitment reserve our natural resources, we can redefine the relationship between architecture, nature and society. This will help forge a path towards a more harmonious coexistence between built and natural environments. In doing so, we not only enrich the lives of the current populations but also preserve the world for the lives of future generations.

Fig59: The Exabition to catch your Attention

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List of Illustrations

Figure 1: Okelo, D. (2024). Floating Green House in London Reneder

Figure 2: Makoko Floating School, beacon of hope for the Lagos ‘Waterworld’ – A history of cities in 50 buildings, Day 48 (2015) The Guardian. (Images) Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2015/jun/02/makoko-floating-school-lagoswaterworld-history-cities-50-buildings (Accessed: 29 February 2024).

Figure 3: (No date) Architects look to floating cities as sea levels rise. (Image)x Available at: https://www.ft.com/content/276eb3a0-5d3c-11e9-840c-530737425559 (Accessed: 29 February 2024).

Figure 4: (No date a) Impact of land reclamation in Singapore. (Image)Available at: https://blogs.ntu.edu.sg/hp331-2014-10/?page_id=7 (Accessed: 29 February 2024).

Figure 5: Kompong Khleang floating village tours - siem reap, Cambodia (2023) Kampong Khleang. (Image) Available at: https://kompongkhleang.org/ (Accessed: 29 February 2024).

Figure 6: Kompong Khleang floating village tours - siem reap, Cambodia (2023) Kampong Khleang. (Image) Available at: https://kompongkhleang.org/ (Accessed: 29 February 2024).

Figure 7: Tiang-nga, S. (2022) Map of Cambodia includes four regions northwestern Cardamom and elephant mountains Mekong lowlands and Eastern. Mekong River basin and Tonle Sap Lake., Vecteezy. (Image) Available at: https://www.vecteezy. com/vector-art/8275126-map-of-cambodia-includes-four-regions-northwestern-cardamom-and-elephant-mountains-mekong-lowlands-and-eastern-mekong-river-basin-and-tonle-sap-lake (Accessed: 29 February 2024).

Figure 8: Okelo, D. (2024). Construction of floating installations on lake Chong Khneas

Figure 9: Cashen, E. (no date) Singapore: The living city, Business Destinations Make travel your business. (Images) Available at: https://www.businessdestinations.com/destinations/singapore-the-living-city/ (Accessed: 29 February 2024).

Figure 10: Breuste, J. (2023) ‘The green city: General concept’, Cities and Nature, pp. 52–57. doi:10.1007/978-3-030-73089-5_1.

Figure 11: (No date a) How to fight the urban heat island effect. (Image) Available at: https://info.ecogardens.com/blog/how-to-fight-the-urban-heat-island-effect (Accessed: 29 February 2024).

Figure 12: Liao, K.-H. (2019) The socio-ecological practice of building blue-green infrastructure in high-density cities: What does the ABC waters program in Singapore tell us? - socio-ecological practice research, SpringerLink. (Image) Available at: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s42532-019-00009-3 (Accessed: 29 February 2024).

Figure 13: Florian, M.-C. et al. (2024) ArchDaily. (Image) Available at: https://www.archdaily.com/tag/floating-architecture (Accessed: 29 February 2024).

Figure 14: New Floating Estuarine Ecosystem launch (2020) Biomatrix. (Image) Available at: https://www.biomatrixwater.com/news/new-estuarine-floating-ecosystem-launch/ (Accessed: 29 February 2024).

Figure 15: Walker, C. (2014) ‘jellyfish barge’ provides sustainable source of food and water, ArchDaily. (Image) Available at: https://www.archdaily.com/569709/jellyfish-barge-provides-sustainable-source-of-food-and-water (Accessed: 29 February 2024).

Figure 16: Walker, C. (2014) ‘jellyfish barge’ provides sustainable source of food and water, ArchDaily. (Image) Available at: https://www.archdaily.com/569709/jellyfish-barge-provides-sustainable-source-of-food-and-water (Accessed: 29 February 2024).

Figure 17: Andrea.d.steffen (2023) The Jellyfish Barge: A self-sustaining modular floating greenhouse, Intelligent Living. (Image) Available at: https://www.intelligentliving.co/the-jellyfish-barge-modular-floating-greenhouse/ (Accessed: 29 February 2024).

Figure 18: Andrea.d.steffen (2023) The Jellyfish Barge: A self-sustaining modular floating greenhouse, Intelligent Living. (Image) Available at: https://www.intelligentliving.co/the-jellyfish-barge-modular-floating-greenhouse/ (Accessed: 29 February 2024).

Figure 19: Walker, C. (2014) ‘jellyfish barge’ provides sustainable source of food and water, ArchDaily. (Image) Available at: https://www.archdaily.com/569709/jellyfish-barge-provides-sustainable-source-of-food-and-water (Accessed: 29 February 2024).

Figure 20: D, Okelo (2024). The construction of the Jelly Fish Barge

Figure 21: D, Okelo (2024). The craft material I used to model my test structures.

Figure 22: D, Okelo (2024).Square Pontoon Model in Water

Figure 23: D, Okelo (2024).Square Pontoon Model in Water

Figure 24: D, Okelo (2024).Square Pontoon Model in Water

Figure 25: D, Okelo (2024).Cylendrical Pontoon Model in Water

Figure 26: D, Okelo (2024).Cylendrical Pontoon Model in Water

Figure 27: D, Okelo (2024).Cylendrical Pontoon Model in Water

Figure 28: D, Okelo (2024).Cork Pontoon Model in Water

Figure 29: D, Okelo (2024).Cork Pontoon Model in Water

Figure 30: D, Okelo (2024).Cork Pontoon Model in Water Top View

Figure 31: D, Okelo (2024).Flat Base Cork Pontoon Model in Water

Figure 32: D, Okelo (2024).Flat Base Cork Pontoon Model in Water

Figure 33: D, Okelo (2024).Flat Base Cork Pontoon Model in Water

Figure 34: Why lake titicaca is a special place in South America (2021) Inditales. (Image) Available at: https://www.inditales.com/lake-titicaca-special-place-south-america/ (Accessed: 29 February 2024).

Figure 35: Why lake titicaca is a special place in South America (2021) Inditales. (Image) Available at: https://www.inditales.com/lake-titicaca-special-place-south-america/ (Accessed: 29 February 2024).

Figure 36: D, Okelo (2024). The Uros Floating Islands Construction

Figure 37: Keppel to deliver semi-submersible rig in Azerbaijan (2017) SAFETY4SEA. (Image) Available at: https://safety4sea.com/keppel-to-deliver-semi-submersible-rig-in-azerbaijan/ (Accessed: 29 February 2024).

Figure 38: Thotham, S. (2019) Design with floating steel pontoon raft stock photo - image of float, nature: 166447576, Dreamstime. (Image) Available at: https://www.dreamstime.com/design-floating-steel-pontoon-raft-design-floating-steelpontoon-raft-image166447576 (Accessed: 29 February 2024).

Figure 39: Marina Building & Renovation: Floating Marina Pontoon (no date) Marina Building & Renovation | Floating Marina Pontoon. (Image) Available at: https://www.hsbmarine.com/products/floating-pontoons/floating-marina-pontoon (Accessed: 29 February 2024).

Figure 40: Rosenberg, A. (2011) Floating houses in Ijburg / architectenbureau marlies rohmer, ArchDaily. (Image) Available at: https://www.archdaily.com/120238/floating-houses-in-ijburg-architectenbureau-marlies-rohmer (Accessed: 29 February 2024).

Figure 41: Rosenberg, A. (2011) Floating houses in Ijburg / architectenbureau marlies rohmer, ArchDaily. (Image) Available at: https://www.archdaily.com/120238/floating-houses-in-ijburg-architectenbureau-marlies-rohmer (Accessed: 29 February 2024).

Figure 42: (No date) Roca London Gallery. (Image) Available at: http://www.rocalondongallery.com/activities/exhibition-opening-event-sea-change-private-view (Accessed: 29 February 2024).

Figure 43: D, Okelo (2024). The Waterbuurt Construction

Figure 44: Drăgan, O. (2022) The design for the world’s first floating sustainable city unveiled, autoevolution. (Image) Available at: https://www.autoevolution.com/news/the-design-for-the-worlds-first-floating-sustainable-city-unveiled-187512. html#agal_2 (Accessed: 29 February 2024).

Figure 45: Drăgan, O. (2022) The design for the world’s first floating sustainable city unveiled, autoevolution. (Image) Available at: https://www.autoevolution.com/news/the-design-for-the-worlds-first-floating-sustainable-city-unveiled-187512. html#agal_2 (Accessed: 29 February 2024).

Figure 46: Drăgan, O. (2022) The design for the world’s first floating sustainable city unveiled, autoevolution. (Image) Available at: https://www.autoevolution.com/news/the-design-for-the-worlds-first-floating-sustainable-city-unveiled-187512.

html#agal_2 (Accessed: 29 February 2024).

Figure 47: Floating artificial island made of plastic bottles (2020) Dornob. (Image) Available at: https://dornob.com/recycled-paradise-amazing-man-made-floating-island/ (Accessed: 29 February 2024).

Figure 48: Öztürk, A. (2018) Spiral Island, The Story of Architecture Student. (Image) Available at: https://aybukeozturkblog.wordpress.com/2017/12/26/spiral-island/ (Accessed: 29 February 2024).

Figure 49: Floating artificial island made of plastic bottles (2020) Dornob. (Image) Available at: https://dornob.com/recycled-paradise-amazing-man-made-floating-island/ (Accessed: 29 February 2024).

Figure 50: D, Okelo (2024). The construction of Spiral Island

Figure 51: Makoko Floating School, beacon of hope for the Lagos ‘Waterworld’ – A history of cities in 50 buildings, Day 48 (2015) The Guardian. (Images) Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2015/jun/02/makoko-floating-school-lagoswaterworld-history-cities-50-buildings (Accessed: 29 February 2024).

Figure 52: Makoko Floating School, beacon of hope for the Lagos ‘Waterworld’ – A history of cities in 50 buildings, Day 48 (2015) The Guardian. (Images) Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2015/jun/02/makoko-floating-school-lagoswaterworld-history-cities-50-buildings (Accessed: 29 February 2024).

Figure 53: Homes, S. (2023) Architectural trailblazers: Crafting West Africa’s future with Kéré, Issoufou, and Localworks, Medium. Available at: https://medium.com/@sierrahomes/architectural-trailblazers-crafting-west-africas-future-withk%C3%A9r%C3%A9-issoufou-and-localworks-223d065bb9a7 (Accessed: 29 February 2024).

Figure 54: D, Okelo (2024). The construction of the Makoko School

Figure 55: D, Okelo (2024) The floating Green House on River Thames

Figure 56: D, Okelo (2024). Test model of the Floating Green House

Figure 57: D, Okelo (2024). Test model of the Floating Green House

Figure 58: D, Okelo (2024). Test model of the Floating Green HouseTop View

Figure 59: D, Okelo (2024). The Exhabition to Catch you Eye

Apendix

Creating the Instalation

The Render Model