Sales of watercraft have soared since the start of the pandemic as recreational boaters seek to escape home—and land. Here are the trending toys to inspire your next seagoing adventure.
By Mark Ellwood
Bloomberg
2021.may.13
The 2,600-square-foot, four-bedroom Arkup 75.
Photographer: Craig Denis
Blame James Bond. It was the sight of Roger Moore skidding a Wet Bike over the waves in 1977’s The Spy Who Loved Me that piqued yacht owners’ interest in keeping more than just a tender, or small ship-to-shore shuttle, on board. Moore’s gadget morphed into the Jet Ski, a must-have for every polyester-era playboy. The Jet Ski, in turn, raised cultural expectations for what we should be able to do on—or under, or over—the water.
Billionaires such as Jeff Bezos and his new 417-foot-long project Y721—a yacht so big it needs its own yacht—plus destinations like the Four Seasons Bora Bora keep spurring new innovations. As bigger superyachts became dominant in the late 1980s, complete with roomier onboard garages, the types of toys and tenders available multiplied. Invention is “driven by charter guests,” says Chris Clifford of the yacht industry bible Onboard. “Even if Grandpa and Grandma are paying for the boat, they’ll bring their children and grandchildren, and you’ve gotta keep them amused.” Indeed, charter specialist Burgess Yachts says 84% of its clients expressed interest in toys and water sports as crucial for their next rental.
But it’s not just the world’s wealthiest who are diving in since the coronavirus pandemic started. According to the National Marine Manufacturers Association, U.S. powerboat sales reached a 13-year high in 2020, when 310,000 new vessels were sold, a rise of 12% from the previous year. GetMyBoat, a marine rental platform, sent 60,500 renters out on the water in 2019, rising to 178,000 last year; it expects to hit more than 1 million for 2021. That’s a lot of people potentiality looking for their first boat or an addition to an existing collection.
It makes sense: Nothing says summer like a good, socially distanced splash. Whether you’re looking for an easy-to-maneuver three-cabin sailboat for your family, a two-seater Sea-Doo on steroids, or a double-decker party barge with a waterslide, here’s our roundup of the newest and hottest toys.
Parajet Paramotors soar up to 500 feet in the air.
Photographer: Steve Thomas
Thrills
Four craft for the adrenaline junkie
PARAJET PARAMOTOR VOLUTION 3
You may have wondered about these flying whizbangs after spotting one soaring along a beach in the Hamptons or Miami. The love child of a paraglider and a fan boat from the Everglades, the Parajet was dreamed up by flying enthusiast Gilo Cardozo, who wanted to share his love of aviation. Strap one on—the Volution is the sturdiest of the range—and you can soar as high as 500 feet at speeds that reach 50 mph, weather willing. (Pro tip: The air is less bumpy at sunset and sunrise.) Just book a few lessons first. $8,395
WhiteShark MixPro underwater scooter
Source: Sublue
SUBLUE WHITESHARK MIX PRO
Cousteau-inspired explorers keen to chart the depths of the oceans on film should pick up this double-propeller sea scooter. It can duck more than 130 feet below the surface, pulling a swimmer behind it at up to 6 feet per second. Better yet, fix a smartphone in the waterproof camera mount to record every moment. The scooter is designed to be used by anyone 8 or older—a detachable floater can keep kids from diving more than a few feet deep. $699
Zapata Flyride
Source: Zapata
ZAPATA FLYRIDE
Former world champ Jet Ski racer Franky Zapata founded his company more than two decades ago to devise wacky water toys like the Flyride, a narrow Jet Ski-like device that can shoot into the air on plumes of water. There’s room for two, so a parent can hop on with an adventurous kid as young as 5. (They can also use the wireless remote to curb a teen’s crazier ambitions.) With 300 horsepower, it offers a top speed of 22 mph—and a button will initiate a barrel roll. From $9,285
SEABREACHER
Think of this fish-shaped, two-seater submersible as a Sea-Doo on steroids; the enclosed pod can leap into the air and duck under the surface at up to 50 mph. It was designed by New Zealand-born boat builder Rob Innes, who considers it more like an aircraft than a watercraft, because it’s able to operate on three axes of control. With a little practice, a pilot can even do 360-degree barrel rolls while skipping across the water. The styling of the chassis adds a witty touch: Take your pick from sharks, whales, or dolphins. The company custom-builds only about two dozen of the craft each year. From $85,000
Hanse 348
Source: Premiere Marine
Chills
For casual fun, try a drone, a kayak, or your own mini pool
HANSE 348
Based on Germany’s Baltic Coast, Hanse was founded by Michael Schmidt, a former winner of the Admiral’s Cup regatta. The vessels from his company deftly combine top performance—a self-tacking jib is standard to maximize ease of handling—with smart layouts and design. It’s a combination that earned this craft the title as Cruising World’s best value sailboat two years ago. Pick between a two- and three-cabin version, and you’ll enjoy the great light and clean lines below deck. $170,800
NAVATICS MITO
A student project at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology led to this 5-year-old startup, which specializes in naval robotics. Its 7.6-pound Mito underwater drone streams footage to an app from as far away as 1,600 feet. The tethered 4K device has two 1,000-lumen headlights for visibility at depth, and four-thruster stabilization keeps the camera steady in rough currents. $1,999
A handmade Preszler canoe.
Photographer: David Benthal
TRENT PRESZLER CANOES
When Preszler inherited his father’s woodworking tools seven years ago, the avid outdoorsman spent 14 months teaching himself how to build a wooden canoe from scratch. Preszler, who’s based in Mattituck, N.Y., now juggles his day job running a winery and selling bespoke, handmade canoes to clients. Each boat, often using exotic woods such as red cedar and purpleheart, takes at least a year to complete. From $100,000
TARPON 120 FISHING KAYAK
Nimble but sturdy, this 12-foot-3-inch sit-on-top kayak with a short waterline is perfect for fishing in creeks. The American-made craft is packed with user-friendly details, including gear tracks to secure rods and accessories as well as a paddle holder on the bow to free up your hands. The self-bailing hull retains buoyancy even when waters are choppy; best of all, it’s dog-friendly. From $999
Beau Lake Rapid 14’
Source: Beau Lake
BEAU LAKE PADDLEBOARDS
With Club Monaco founder Joe Mimran among its advisers, it’s no surprise this Canadian company produces paddleboards that emphasize beauty as much as function. Made with epoxy resin and other performance materials, they’re finished with mahogany and Macassar ebony, among other options. Pair yours with the equally stylish paddles, which start at $350. From $2,950
YACHTBEACH LUXURY POOL
Avoid jellyfish stings using this pool, which has an ultrafine PVC mesh stretching almost 8 feet down into the water. The largest, superyacht-aimed option includes a 19-by-13-foot boardwalk with a comfy foam top that’s wide enough for sunbathers to linger near the swimmers. €6,799 ($8,270)
Inside the four-bedroom Arkup 75.
Source: Arkup
Frills
You don’t need a yacht to impress out on the water
ARKUP 75
The ultimate overwater bungalow, Arkup’s two-story glass-box-like villa can be permanently tethered to a dock or cruise at a leisurely 7 knots under its own power. The open-plan four-bedroom structure has 2,600 square feet of indoor living space that connects to a retractable 450-square-foot deck. Its eco-credentials are impressive: Solar panels on the roof supply power, and tanks collect and purify rainwater for drinking and bathroom use. Sadly, the prototype has already sold, but the company is building several custom projects riffing off the same design, as well as planning smaller, marginally more affordable models. From $5.5 million
PREMIER ESCALANTE PONTOON BOAT
There’s no better party venue than this 35-foot double-decker pontoon, with room for up to 20 people: A stairway turns into a slide from the upper deck straight into the water. Need we say more? The design incorporates more practical measures as well, including a hard-sided changing room/bathroom, plus a refrigerator, sink, and wine cooler. With 800 horsepower or more, the Escalante is packing as much power as some speedboats. Just make sure not to leave anyone behind. From $154,150
ROM 28
The aptly named ROM, which stands for Rebuild Ocean Motivation, will construct a boat your way at its shipyard in Aveiro, Portugal. Former technology consulting executive Jorge Martins founded the startup four years ago to bring superyacht customization to smaller craft, upgrading workaday designs in a sleeker, sportier style. When Martins unveiled this specific model in January, he promised only 20 of the eight-passenger 25-footers would be made; just 14 remain. From €230,000
The BigAir Yacht Blob isn’t as deadly as it looks, we promise.
Source: FunAir
BIGAIR YACHT BLOB
This classic lake toy was first developed in Texas from an army-surplus fuel bladder. Like a seesaw, when someone jumps onto a specific spot from a boat, the force will propel anyone sitting at the other end up to 30 feet in the air. Austin-based FunAir has reengineered the blob for use on the ocean, adding stabilizer outriggers to prevent it from turning over and an inflatable stand-off to stop anyone from bashing back into the hull after they jump. It takes only around 20 minutes to set up.$4,000
NAUTIBUOY FLOATING PLATFORMS
Countless companies produce platforms like this that can be jigsawed together to create a pontoon at the back of any vessel, be it speedboat or superyacht. The big differentiator for this British company’s offerings is the quality of construction, with drop-stitch cores and strong, durable PVC borders. NautiBuoy’s own ballast system keeps the platforms stable, and the teaklike finish is stylish and slip-resistant. Buy one to act as a parking slot for your Seabob or Jet Ski, and attach it to another for an impromptu, al fresco cocktail lounge.From €3,805
Knock yourself—or a friend—out with a Yacht Joust.
Source: FunAir
YACHT JOUST
Anyone prepping to compete on Wipeout can finesse their dueling skills with a few sessions on this inflatable platform 5 feet above the water. The lightweight batons are easy enough for kids and adults to handle. Yacht Joust can be secured almost anywhere—in a small cove or close to a beach to drum up some cheers or jeers from spectators—and packs down to the size of a carry-on bag. $8,000
AQUAGLIDE RESIDENTIAL MINI PARK 4
Install this 38-foot-long inflatable obstacle course behind your boat or lakefront home. The main appeal is a 10-foot, high-velocity slide, complete with an interior mesh floor at the bottom for safer splashing. You can also loll on the water, safe from the sun, under the roof of the Ohana lounge platform. Small decks connect the two elements, making it a cinch to hop into the splash zone. And if you want to expand your water park, other Aquaglide inflatables attach easily. $8,600
The Maldives Floating City is designed to resemble the hexagonal structure of brain coral (Image: Maldives Floating City)
Radical plans to develop an environmentally-friendly floating city in the Maldives have been announced by the Netherlands-based engineering firm Dutch Docklands.
Officially named Maldives Floating City (MFC), the development, which is being planned in cooperation with the government of the Maldives will be set in a lagoon location situated 10 minutes from the Maldivian capital, Malé
According to a Dutch Docklands press release, the ‘first-of-its-kind “island city”‘ will offer ‘ a revolutionary approach to modern sustainable living perched against a backdrop of the azure Indian Ocean… a futuristic dreamscape finally poised to become reality.’
The project has been in development for more than a decade and plans to feature thousands of waterfront residences floating along a flexible grid spread across the 200-hectare lagoon. MFC’s design will be ‘inspired by traditional Maldivian sea-faring culture’ and the homes will be eventually joined by hotels, restaurants, boutiques, and a ‘world-class’ marina.
MFC is a response to the existential threat of sea-level rise posed by climate change. As one of the lowest-lying countries in the world, much of it less than 2 metres above sea level, the Maldives is widely recognised as one of the countries in most danger of becoming uninhabitable in future years.
‘As a nation at the front lines of global warming, the Maldives is perfectly positioned to reimagine how humankind will survive — and, indeed, thrive — in the face of rising seas and coastal erosion,’ said a Dutch Docklands representative. ‘By leading in this effort, the Maldives not only lays the groundwork for combatting its own climate challenges, but provides a viable blueprint for other nations to follow.’
The developers are keen to play down the potential for environmental damage that the floating city might cause. The visible parts of the city above the surface are modelled on coral formations and will be connected to the barrier islands, which in turn serve as breakwaters for the lagoon. The company stress that, because the city is floating, damage to the reef will be minimal.
‘MFC does not require any land reclamation, therefore has a minimal impact on the coral reefs,’ said former president of the Maldives, Mohamed Nasheed. ‘Our adaption to climate change mustn’t destroy nature but work with it, as the MFC proposes. In the Maldives, we cannot stop the waves, but we can rise with them.;
Construction is expected to begin in 2022 and will be carried out in phases over the next five years. The first sea-front units are expected to be priced from $250,000, and will be available to foreign investors and Maldives residents alike.
‘With its unique location in a paradisiacal setting, next to President’s Island — and full support of the Government of Maldives — we are extremely proud to launch the first Floating City in the world,’ said Paul HTM van de Camp, CEO of Dutch Docklands. ‘This will be an amazing place where locals and foreigners can buy their dream property at affordable prices.’
By Andrea Federica de Cesco
Corriere Della Sera
2021.may.06
Le conseguenze del cambiamento climatico saranno particolarmente dure per le Maldive. I governanti ne sono ben consapevoli e si stanno preparando. Si inserisce in quest’ottica il progetto Maldives Floating City (MFC), che ha lo scopo di trasformare l’arcipelago in una città galleggiante. Il riscaldamento globale sta infatti causando lo scioglimento dei ghiacciai a velocità sempre maggiore. La conseguenza è l’innalzamento del livello dei mari, particolarmente allarmante soprattutto per le aree costiere e per luoghi come le Maldive. Si prevede che i 26 atolli nell’Oceano Indiano settentrionale diventeranno inabitabili entro il 2050 e che saranno tra i primi luoghi al mondo a venire sommersi dall’acqua. In media queste circa mille isole si trovano infatti a solo 90 centimetri sul livello del mare. Secondo la Nasa lo stato insulare è il Paese con meno terreno al mondo.
Sulla nuova isola artificiale ci saranno migliaia di case (a partire da 250 mila dollari per 300 metri quadri), negozi, ristorante, un ospedale, una scuola e un edificio governativo. La progettazione è stata affidata a due società olandesi e i lavori di costruzione inizieranno nel 2022. La città avrà la forma di un corallo
Ecco perché il governo ha annunciato che le Maldive diventeranno una città galleggiante, soluzione adottata appunto per far fronte alla crisi ambientale. Il progetto in realtà è in via di sviluppo da un decennio (ne aveva scritto anche il Corriere, nell’aprile 2010, leggi qui, e all’epoca prevedeva anche un campo da golf galleggiante), ma è stato svelato solo ora. I lavori di costruzione inizieranno nel 2022 e il tutto sarà pronto nella seconda metà del decennio. La città sorgerà su un incrocio di reticoli flessibili e funzionali nella laguna di 200 ettari (pari a due milioni di metri quadri) a dieci minuti di barca dalla capitale Malé e dall’aeroporto internazionale. A progettarla sono state chiamate due società olandesi, Dutch Docklands, esperta in infrastrutture galleggianti, e Waterstudio, che si occupa di pianificazione urbana e architettura. Il risultato finale avrà la forma di un labirinto esagonale, così da assomgiliare a un corallo.
Previsti anche un ospedale e una scuola
Ci saranno migliaia di case di fronte al mare, ispirate alla cultura tradizionale marinara delle Maldive e costruite in modo ecosostenibile. Il prezzo partirà da 250 mila dollari per 300 metri quadri: difficile che le famiglie di pescatori se le potranno permettere, a meno che non riceveranno sovvenzioni dal governo. Alle abitazioni si aggiungeranno hotel, ristoranti, spazi commerciali, porticcioli, un ospedale, una scuola e un edificio governativo. Il sistema di strutture flottanti sarà fissato a un anello di isole, che faranno da base, e a un muro di rottura stabilizzante (come negli atolli). Attraverso un particolare sistema ingegneristico, le isole intorno alla laguna avranno il ruolo di barriere rispetto alla Maldives Floating City. «Questa ingegnosa configurazione riduce l’impatto delle onde della laguna, stabilizzando le strutture e i complessi in superficie», spiega un comunicato stampa. (continua a leggere dopo i link e la foto)
Un particolare delle vie della nuova città galleggiante nel rendering al computer
In armonia con la natura
«La MFC non richiede alcuna bonifica del territorio, quindi ha un impatto minimo sulle barriere coralline», ha detto Mohamed Nasheed, presidente delle Maldive tra il 2008 e il 2012. «Inoltre, verranno coltivate delle nuove, gigantesche barriere coralline che serviranno da frangiflutti. Dobbiamo adattarci al cambiamento climatico senza distruggere la natura, ma collaborando con essa, come propone la nostra città. Alle Maldive non possiamo fermare le onde, ma possiamo innalzarci con loro». Il progetto farà da apripista per altre isole che presto dovranno organizzarsi per salvaguardare il loro territorio e la loro cultura dalla crisi ambientale.
Un particolare di uno degli approdi interni della nuova città galleggiante in progetto alle Maldive, tratto dal rendering al computer
Building a “floating city” of 20,000 houses next to Male, capital of the Maldives, may be the answer for the tiny nation’s agony of finding a new homeland for its populace as some of its coral reef islands face an imminent threat from the rising sea level.
Although Dutch Docklands, a Netherland-based sustainable floating architecture specialists, has already signed up with the government of Maldives to build a “commercial” floating development, comprising a golf course, convention centre, private islands, valued at $1 billion (Dh3.67 billion), it has proposed the idea to build “affordable” housing for the locals.
The company will soon unveil the first floating island with six to eight affordable houses that people can see, feel and walk.
“It is not only about reinforcement of tourism, but also reinforcement of society. It is about giving and taking. We want to share our know how, gained from commercial projects, with the less fortunate and provide them with affordable floating housing,” Paul van de Camp, Chief Executive Officer, Dutch Docklands, told Emirates 24/7.
Over 80 per cent of their 1,190 islands are no more than a meter above sea level, with Male being one of the most densely populated islands in the world. The government had previously thought of buying land from other countries and moving its people there. Maldives is also in need of over 20,000 houses between now and 2022 and they have no more land to build those.
“We are working on the master plan, which we have already partly presented to the government and the President of the Maldives, in which we make affordable floating islands. We can provide them with a whole ‘floating city’ of 20,000 houses next to Male, where the locals can live in floating houses.”
Golf course designer competition in Dubai
Dutch Dockland will also be announcing of the name of the designer’s for their $500-million 18-hole floating golf course soon after this year’s Dubai World Championship.
“We have selected already six top golf course designers, who will each, just after the Dubai World Championship, give a full presentation how they think they can assist us by making not only the first floating course, but also the most environmentally friendly golf course in the world. Soon after this we will then announce the winner,” van de Camp informed.
The course, which will be connected through underwater tunnels, is due for completion in 2015 at the latest. It will be located around 15 minutes by boat from the airport to attract all residents and visitors.
Experience a unique cultural space in Lyon with the Theater L’Île Ô, Europe’s first floating theater, and a remarkable architectural masterpiece. This hybrid cultural space perfectly complements the river, serving as a symbol of Lyon’s cultural and environmental dynamism, making it a must-visit destination for years to come.
Constructed using modern and sustainable building material called Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT), the Theater L’Île Ô boasts a stunning interior that showcases the natural beauty of wood. The playful design of six volumes reflects wooden blocks that add a sense of whimsy to the overall aesthetic, while the prismatic white facade beautifully reflects sunlight and creates a dazzling display of light and shadows. The reflection in the water surrounding it adds to the unique character of this cultural space.
The Theater L’Île Ô launches an artistic, eventful, citizen, and educational project. With a primary focus on awakening and training children and young people to the wonders of theater, this public interest project has gained the attention of Voies Navigables de France, the manager of the river public domain, which selected L’Île Ô as part of the project call reviewed in 2020, allocating a location on the Rhône in the city center of Lyon.
The theater has several spaces, including modular ones, to accommodate all the activities of the venue, such as two performance halls with 78 and 244 seats adapted for people with reduced mobility (PRM), 245 m2 of modular spaces spread over three levels for catering, artistic workshops, professional training, and corporate events, and a 140 m2 rooftop.
The Theater L’Île Ô promises to deliver an exceptional cultural experience to all its visitors, showcasing the perfect fusion of modern construction techniques, playful design elements, and sustainable materials. Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of this unique and memorable experience.
除了Ijburg之外，近年於荷蘭亦相繼發展出不同的漂浮社區，例如由 Space&Matter打造的Schoonschip，它位於阿姆斯特丹北部前工業區的Johan van Hasselt運河上，容納著100個住戶。屋主可以自行請來心儀的建築師來打造自己理想的漂浮屋，而今次帶大家看看由i29 Studio設計的作品，相信是不少人心目中的理想家居。
位於阿姆斯特丹北部前工業區的Johan van Hasselt運河上Schoonschip（SPACE&MATTER）
W 2020 roku wszyscy piekliśmy chleb, w tym morsujemy. Zawsze pozytywnie reagujemy na trendy, które niosą za sobą korzystne skutki, np. zdrowotne, a morsowanie niewątpliwie zalicza się do tej kategorii. W architekturze również mamy do czynienia z czymś w rodzaju morsowania – mowa tu o budynkach na wodzie. Poniżej przedstawiamy najciekawsze przykłady tego rodzaju architektury.
Unoszący się dom (ang. Floating home) zlokalizowany w Amsterdamie, zaprojektowany przez architektów ze studia i29 jest częścią Schoonship – wioski składającej się z 46 gospodarstw domowych. Celem projektu jest stworzenie najbardziej zrównoważonej ekologicznie społeczności zamieszkującej domy na wodzie w Europie. Dzielnica zakłada pełne wykorzystanie energii wodnej, minimalizację odpadów i tworzenie warunków sprzyjających rozwojowi różnorodności biologicznej.
Właściciel pragnął, aby dom wyróżniał się wyjątkowym kształtem, co bez wątpienia się udało. Atutem tego budynku jest jego zmieniająca się forma zależnie od strony, z której na niego patrzymy.
Jednocześnie widok z wewnątrz domu jest bardzo różnorodny, bo zapewnia dostęp do krajobrazu z kilku stron.
Mimo surowości budynku wynikającej z kształtu i koloru elewacji, wykorzystanie do jego budowy desek oraz ulokowanie budynku na wodzie sprawia, że jest w tym projekcie pewne ciepło. Dom niewątpliwie wyróżnia się na tle sąsiadujących budynków, ale jednocześnie doskonale się z nimi komponuje.
Willa Arkup
Oprócz faktu, że ten wyjątkowy budynek pływa i tym samym może łatwo zmieniać swoją lokalizację, jest odporny na huragany. Kwestia ta jest szczególnie istotna z uwagi na położenie willi w Miami, czyli w miejscu, w którym problem występowania huraganów nie jest obcy jego mieszkańcom.
Projekt Koena Olthuisa z Waterstudio jest odporny na sztormy dzięki możliwości podniesienia budynku na ponad 3 metry nad poziom wody, co sprawia, że znajduje się wtedy poza zasięgiem silnych fal.
Nie sposób pominąć faktu, że w wyniku ocieplenia klimatu wielu miastom grozi zalanie przez wrastający poziom wody. Takie budynki jak willa Arkup mogą być jedną z odpowiedzi na ten problem.
Hortusboatanicus
Projektanci z Waterstudio patrzą w przyszłość również w przypadku tego domu. Architekt Koen Olthuis, autor projektu, na swoim Instagramie podpisał zdjęcie tego budynku słowami: „Wyhoduj sobie swój obiad na dachu”.
Niewątpliwie umożliwia to dom na wodzie ze szklarnią stworzoną na dachu budynku.
Podkreśla taką możliwość przewrotna nazwa projektu, czyli Hortusboatanicus, która została zaczerpnięta od Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam, czyli jednego z najstarszych ogrodów botanicznych na świecie, założonego w 1638 roku. Zastąpienie słowa „botanicus” na „boatanicus” trafnie oddaje charakter tego wyjątkowego domu. Smacznego!
Le projet L’ÎLE Ô va voir le jour dans le 7e arrondissement début 2022. Au programme, théâtre, espaces de réception et de restauration et terrasse panoramiquent sur le Rhône.
Imaginée et étudiée depuis plusieurs mois par l’équipe du Patadôme Théâtre, Jean-Philippe Amy et David Lahille, le projet L’ÎLE Ô va bien voir le jour après avoir étésélectionné dans le cadre d’un appel à projets associant les collectivités et services de l’État. Un emplacement lui a été attribué sur le Rhône, dans le 7e arrondissement à la jonction du Pont Gallieni et de l’Avenue Leclerc.
Au sein de six volumes sur un socle coque, sur 3 niveauxs’installeront un théâtre de 220 places, une salle avec gradins de 75 places, des espaces de réception et de restauration et une terrasse panoramique abritée. La surface totale prévisionnelle est de 1200m2.
Koen Olthuis – Waterstudio.NL, architecte néerlandais, conseiller spécial en construction flottante auprès de l’UNESCO, a été choisi pour la conception et la réalisation du projet. Les travaux débuteront durant l’été 2021 et l’ouverture au public est prévue pour début 2022.
In immer dichteren Städten bleiben Flora und Fauna auf der Strecke. Das Büro Waterstudio will das Dilemma mit dem „Sea Tree“ lösen: Naturreservate auf schwimmenden Türmen sollen für grüne Stadterweiterung sorgen. Für Menschen unzugänglich – aber im Dienste ihrer Gesundheit und Zukunft.
Wer in der Stadt lebt, kennt das Problem nur zu gut: Wo eben noch ein Stückchen „Wildnis“ war, wird flugs das nächste Haus gebaut. Die Städte wachsen, mehr Wohnraum wird benötigt. Noch unverbaute urbane Flächen sind längst Mangelware. Für Wildpflanzen und Tiere bleibt kaum Lebensraum. Zugleich ist klar, dass Artenvielfalt essenziell für gesunde Umwelt ist. Und dass ihre Erhaltung ungestörter Zonen bedarf, in denen Natur „wild“ gedeihen kann. In diesem Sinne hat das niederländische Büro Waterstudio ein Konzept entwickelt, das – wenn auch nur in Uferzonen – grüne Stadterweiterung ermöglicht.
Zutritt verboten, Nutzen garantiert
Die Idee zu „Sea Tree“ steht schon seit Längerem auf Waterstudios Agenda. Ähnlich wie futuristische Pläne des visionären Architekten Vincent Callebaut oder seines italienischen Kollegen Luca Curci, harrt sie jedoch der Umsetzung. Genau wie viele andere, spannende Konzepte für mehr urbanes Grün und Umweltschutz, von denen sich „Sea Tree“ allerdings in einem zentralen Punkt unterscheidet: Den Entwicklern geht es nicht um neue Erholungszonen für geplagte Städter. Der gestapelte „Meeresbaum“ soll für Menschen sogar unzugänglich sein. Er soll schwimmende Naturreservate schaffen. Im Namen von Biodiversität und Umweltschutz. Weil beides Gesundheit und Zukunft aller Lebewesen dieses Planeten dient.
Teil der Stadt und trotzdem ungestört: „Sea Tree“ soll Tieren und Pflanzen neue Lebensräume schaffen.
Als eine Art „City App“ soll der „Meeresbaum“ in Häfen, an Fluss-, Ozean- und Seeufern, vor Inseln, aber auch nahe an Industriezonen auf freiem Wasser ruhen. Als schwimmendes Objekt, das zu 100 Prozent für Flora und Fauna gebaut und konzipiert ist. Die grüne Stadterweiterung kann in Höhe und Tiefe dem jeweiligen Standort angepasst werden. Denn die Konstruktion berücksichtigt Bedingungen wie Wassertiefe, Wellen, Gezeiten und Strömungen. Wie ein Baum im Wald, soll sich der „Sea Tree“ sanft mit dem Wind bewegen. Halt findet der Turm durch ein am Meeres-, Fluss- oder See-Boden befestigtes Kabel- und Verankerungssystem.
Öl-Türme für Umweltschutz
Das Gerüst des vielschichtigen Turms ist aus Stahl. Und es wird, so Waterstudio, unter Verwendung neuester Offshore-Technologie gebaut. „Sea Tree“ nützt von Öllagertürmen im offenen Meer erprobte Technik: „Die Ölgesellschaften haben diese schwimmenden Lagertürme seit Jahren benutzt. Wir haben ihnen nur eine neue Form und Funktion gegeben“.
Und geht es nach den kreativen Architekten, kommen Ölkonzerne auch auf ganz andere Art ins Spiel: Sie sollen beweisen, dass sie bereit sind, zum Schutz der Umwelt beizutragen. Schließlich verfügten sie sowohl über hilfreiches Wissen, als auch über passende Ressourcen. Anders gesagt: Her mit den Türmen – aber künftig ohne Öl.
New York könnte von der Idee der niederländischen Architekten profitieren – mit einem „Sea Tree Wald“ rund um Manhattan.
Entsprechend heißt es in der Projektbeschreibung des Waterstudio-Teams: „Sea Tree bietet den Ölgesellschaften eine Möglichkeit, ihre positive Einstellung gegenüber der Umwelt umzusetzen“. Das „schwimmende Produkt“ könne Städten hinzugefügt werden wie eine App einem Smartphone: „Der Ölkonzern bleibt Eigentümer und die Stadt stellt einen Standort zur Verfügung“.
Was für die Unternehmen vermutlich feine Image-Pflege wäre, würde Umwelt und Allgemeinheit tatsächlich nützen. Vor allem, wenn es nicht bei einem einzigen „Meeresbaum“ bleibt. Denn dass die grüne Stadterweiterung Biodiversität fördern, die Luft in Ballungsräumen verbessern und dem Klimawandel entgegenwirken könnte, liegt auf der Hand.
Die schwimmenden, für Natur reservierten Wolkenkratzer sollen CO2 „schlucken“ und weit über ihren Ankerplatz hinaus für gesündere Umwelt sorgen.
Immerhin spielt langfristig ungestört gedeihende Vegetation eine gewichtige Rolle bei der Absorption von CO2 aus der Atmosphäre. Und da, wo „Wildnis“ keinen Platz mehr hat, bemüht man sich, auf „kultivierte“ Art vom Mehr an Grün zu profitieren. Nicht umsonst setzen Architekturbüros und Stadtplaner in aller Welt zusehends auf dicht begrünte Fassaden, Dächer und Gebäude. Projekte wie der „Mandragora-Wohnturm“ für New York, der Düsseldorfer „Kö-Bogen 2“ oder Koichi Takadas riesiger „Urban Forest“ in Australien sind nur ein kleiner Auszug aus der aktuellen Beispielliste.
Umdenken gefragt
Bedenkt man, dass Erdölkonzerne selbst zu den größten CO2-Produzenten der globalen Wirtschaft zählen, klingt Waterstudios „Sea Tree“-Vorschlag noch recht kühn. Allerdings könnte das Projekt mittlerweile doch mehr Gehör finden. Schließlich betonen inzwischen auch Unternehmen wie BP, ihren Kohlendioxid-Ausstoß verringern zu wollen. Und der Druck der Öffentlichkeit, es nicht bei bloßen Ankündigungen zu belassen, wächst.
Viele Ebenen für viele Arten: Ziel des Projekts ist es, dem bedrohlichen Verlust natürlicher Vielfalt Einhalt zu gebieten.
Die grüne Stadterweiterung nach Waterstudio-Modell könnte kilometerweite Zonen positiv beeinflussen. Weit über den Standort jedes „Sea Tree“ hinaus. Auf die Idee zum originellen Entwurf kamen die Architekten durch Ökologen: Gefragt war ein Konzept zur Schaffung eines ungestörten Lebensraums für Pflanzen. Für die Niederländer lag es nahe, Wasser als schützende Barriere zu nützen, die Menschen von den geplanten Oasen fernhält. So, dass etwa auch Vögel und Insekten wieder eine Heimat finden. Auch dort, wo dichte Ballungsräume keine störungsfreien Plätze mehr für Nest und Bienenstock lassen.
Neuer Lebensraum, auch unter Wasser
Inspiriert von norwegischen Öl-Lagern wurde an einer Strategie gefeilt. Auch die Kronen mächtiger Bäume standen Pate. Ebenso, wie städtische Parks: Das Team unterteilte solche Grünzonen in Abschnitte. Diese wurden im Entwurf vertikal über einander geschichtet.
Der grüne Turm soll allerdings nicht nur über der Wasseroberfläche Natur erblühen lassen. Das Konzept sieht vor, dass auch darunter Vielfalt wachsen kann: Dort soll der „Meeresbaum“ Lebensraum für kleine Wasserlebewesen schaffen. Passen die klimatischen Bedingungen, könnten dort sogar Korallenriffe entstehen.
Das „geschichtete“ Naturschutz-Konstrukt soll auch unter dem Wasserspiegel buntes Leben fördern.
„Wir haben Experten der renommiertesten Institute Hollands konsultiert“, versichert das Waterstudio-Team in der Beschreibung des Projekts. Der Entwurf basiere auf aktuellsten Forschungsergebnissen um optimale Bedingungen für Flora und Fauna zu bieten. Die Errichtungskosten seiner Wasser-Wolkenkratzer bezifferte Waterstudios Chef-Architekt Koen Olthuis in der Entwicklungsphase – vor wenigen Jahren – mit etwas mehr als einer Million Euro.
Sein Traum: „Sea Tree Wälder“ vor Manhattan und anderen Metropolen in Uferzonen. Überall dort, wo Raumnot kaum noch oder gar keinen Platz mehr für Naturreservate lässt, könnte die grüne Stadterweiterung auf dem Wasser für mehr Lebensqualität sorgen. Als grüner „Blickfang“ und effiziente Umweltschutz-Maßnahme.
Mehr als ein „Fantasie-Projekt“
Die ausgefallene Idee als Vision eines Fantasten abzutun, wäre zu kurz gedacht. Immerhin gilt Architekt Koen Olthuis als Spezialist für wasserbasierte Entwicklungen. Das „Time Magazine“ setzte ihn bereits einmal auf die Liste der einflussreichsten Personen der Welt. Und das französische „Terra Eco“ ehrte den Holländer schon 2011: Im Ranking der 100 „grünen“ Personen, die die Welt verändern werden.
Spannende Zukunftsvision: Grüne Stadterweiterung mit ufernahen „Sea Tree“-Wäldern.
Zudem klingt bestechend logisch, was Olthuis propagiert: „Prognosen gehen davon aus, dass bis 2050 etwa 70 Prozent der Weltbevölkerung in urbanisierten Gebieten leben werden. Die Tatsache, dass etwa 90 Prozent der größten Städte der Welt am Wasser liegen, zwingt uns, die Art, wie wir mit Wasser in der verbauten Umwelt umgehen, zu überdenken“.
„Planung für den Wandel“
Künftige Entwicklungen und Bedürfnisse sind unvorhersehbar. Deshalb sei „Planung für den Wandel“ nötig, meint der Waterstudio-Chef: „Unsere Vision ist, dass schwimmende Großprojekte in städtischer Umgebung eine greifbare Lösung bieten, die sowohl flexibel als auch nachhaltig ist“. Ideen dazu hat er viele. Zum Beispiel den „Meeresbaum“, der Tieren und Pflanzen – die schließlich auch fürs Wohl der Spezies Mensch vonnöten sind – verlorenen Lebensraum zurückgibt.
