Holländskt flyt mot stigande havsnivåer
By Sebastian van Baalen
Syre
August.2015
Sebastian van Baalen – 2 år sedan
Han kallas den flytande holländaren och har utsetts till en av världens viktigaste tänkare av the Times. Koen Olthuis är en nederländsk arkitekt som propagerar för att holländarna måste lära sig att leva med stigande havsnivåer. Men hans
idéer har implikationer långt bortom Nederländerna.
Med hjälp av cityappar vill arkitekterna på Waterstudio tillgodose grundläggande behov i världens vattennära slumområden. Foto: Sebastian van Baalen
Nederländerna är ett av världens lägst liggande länder med omkring 20 procent av landets yta under havsnivå och ytterligare 30 procent i riskzonen för omfattande översvämningar. Men trots århundraden av erfarenhet av att bygga vallar, kanaler och pumpstationer menar arkitekten Koen Olthuis att framtiden ligger på vattnet. Han har patent på flytande husgrunder och de senaste tolv åren har han ritat över 100 flytande hus i Nederländerna.
– Lösningen fanns i familjen hela tiden, förklarar han medievant. Min mammas familj jobbade inom skeppsindustrin och min pappas familj var arkitekter. Jag har helt enkelt tagit det bästa av två världar.
Enligt Koen Olthuis är flytande byggnader lösningen på flera olika problem; stigande havsnivåer, platsbrist i storstadsområden och behovet av dynamiska städer. – Städer är inte perfekta, de är korkade. Världen förändras ständigt men städerna är statiska och kan inte anpassas snabbt nog. Genom att bygga på vattnet kan man göra staden dynamisk, funktioner kan distribueras dit de behövs, när de behövs.
Lyxbostäder och konstgjorda öar signerade Koen Olthuis finns bland annat i Dubai och på Maldiverna. I Nederländerna, ett land där platsbristen är akut, har Koen Olthuis idéer resulterat i flytande bostadsområden. I sin bok Float! propagerar han för att användningen av flytande husgrunder kan möjliggöra så kallad depolderisering i Nederländerna, det vill säga att grundvattennivån tillåts stiga i torrlagda områden. Men det var när han uppmärksammade problemet med slumområden som han insåg konceptets fulla potential.
Flytande cityappar
Enligt FN förväntas omkring två miljarder människor leva i slumområden år 2030. Dessa bosättningar är ofta semitemporära då invånarna ständigt hotas med avhysning eftersom de formellt varken äger marken eller sina bostäder, något som försvårar utvecklingen av samhällsfunktioner i dessa områden. Men detta vill Koen Olthuis ändra på med hjälp av flytande cityappar.
– Många av världens slumområden ligger vid eller på vatten. Men när vi gjorde en studie i Bangladesh nämnde sluminvånarna förvånansvärt nog inte översvämningar som det främsta problemet – det var bristen på samhällsfunktioner. Och då är vattnet lösningen!
Precis som man laddar ner appar till sin smarta telefon för att ge den funktioner som saknas menar Koen Olthuis att man kan lägga till samhällsfunktioner i vattennära slumområden. Tillsammans med ett team av unga ingenjörer och arkitekter på sitt företag Waterstudio i Haag har han utvecklat flytande containers som huserar skolor, internetkaféer, sjukhus och sanitetsanläggningar, alla drivna av solpaneler. Dessa kan fraktas till slumområdena till havs. Jiya Benni jobbar med projektet.
– I de flesta slumområden saknas de juridiska förutsättningarna för att utveckla infrastrukturen. Fördelen med dynamiska cityappar är att de inte kräver bygglov. Skulle förutsättningarna förändras kan apparna helt enkelt bogseras bort.
Den första containern är nu på väg att placeras i Dhaka i Bangladesh. Men flytande cityappar ska främst ses som ett socialt företag enligt Jiya Benni.
– Varje cityapp har en affärsidé. Tanken är att lokala entreprenörer i slumstäderna kan hyra en city app på lång sikt och betala av kostnaden över tid. När appen har spelat ut sin roll i ett visst område kan den helt enkelt flyttas vidare. Lite som ett mikrolån.
Samtidigt erkänner Koen Olthuis att kostnaden för cityapparna än så länge är för hög.
– En flytande skola kostar för närvarande 45 000 dollar. Vi måste minska priset till 18 000 dollar för att det ska bli ekonomiskt hållbart.
Marinbiologer har bland annat påpekat att flytande byggnader kan störa de marina ekosystemen. Men Jiya Benni ser inte det som ett problem. – Jämfört med att torrlägga land är flytande byggnader definitivt mer miljövänliga. Visst kan konstruktionerna påverka mängden ljus som når botten, men det går att lösa med kreativ design. Vi samarbetar med oceanografen Jean-Michel Cousteau för att utveckla våra cityappar till naturliga ekosystem för fiskar.
Vatten som möjlighet Koen Olthuis framstår lika mycket som visionär som arkitekt. I hans visioner ingår flytande grönområden, flytande flygplatser och mobila och flytande flyktingläger.
Men vad är science fiction och vad är verkligen möjligt?
Faktum är att flytande städer har existerat sedan länge och stora slumområden ligger i dag på vattnet. Ett exempel är slummen Makoko i Nigera som är hem åt tiotusentals människor. Liknande samhällen återfinns i Hong Kong och Vietnam. Investeringar i sådana områden är ofta riskfyllda då infrastruktur riskerar att förstöras vid översvämningar. Även rikare länder har insett såväl nyttan som det estetiska med flytande byggnader; Seoul har en flytande ö på Hanfloden, Rotterdam ett mobilt konferens- och utställningskomplex på Nieuwe Maasfloden och Bristol en flytande plantträdgård. Men för Koen Olthuis handlar det om att förändra hur vi förstår staden.
– Mitt budskap är att vatten inte enbart är ett hot, utan också en möjlighet. Jag hoppas att det vi gör, mina idéer, kan spridas och locka människor att tro på idén. Min vision är att förbättra städer i hela världen.
Luxury Anywhere, Anytime! Floating Private Islands By Koen Olthuis
By Jesse James
Stupid Dope
August.2015
Traveling is fun and all, but sometimes you just want to be on your own private island; right? Well today we get a unique way to do exactly that, take a vacation on your own private island; The Floating Private Islands By Koen Olthuis. This unique and rather eye-catching design plays host to some creative concepts, which not only serves as some stunning spots to vacation, but also creates new underwater habitats for nearby sea life.
The design allows you to choose what type of home or facility you want on your island, as well as where it will be located. The customizable design offers luxury and an eco-friendly design that is sure to provide a unique and rather lavish retreat. Have a look at these sleek and quite bold concepts in the images below and above and speak your mind on it after the jump. For more information head over here immediately, and start stacking now!
Real Estate Listings: First Floating Islands to be Up for Sale in Maldives, Dubai and Miami
By Staff Reporter
media@realtytoday.com
August.18.2015
HONIARA, GUADALCANAL ISLAND, SOLOMON ISLANDS – SEPTEMBER 17: The lodge and private beach where Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge are to spend the night on the island of Tuvanipupu on their Diamond Jubilee tour of the Far East on September 17, 2012 in Honiara, Guadalcanal Island. Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge are on a Diamond Jubilee tour representing the Queen taking in Singapore, Malaysia, the Solomon Islands and Tuvalu. (Photo : Chris Jackson – Pool/Getty Images)
Christie’s International Real Estate has taken luxury properties into a whole different level. The company is set to start Amillarah Private Islands, a floating island empire to be first established in the tiny islands of Maldives, which will possibly expand to Dubai and Miami in the years to come.
Forbes has called this venture by Christie’s as “The World’s First Portable Private Islands.” The New York-based company has partnered with Dutch Docklands, which also specializes in high luxury properties. The partnership is said to be on-strategy for both ends. Dutch Docklands are also experts in on-water structures.
Other than it being a private and man-made island, the project will also be eco-friendly, self-sufficient, and highly customizable. The companies has also partnered with Ocean Futures Society, which specializes in eco-vacations. According to Daily Mail, they have hired Jean-Michel Costeau to help with the design and research for the sustainable islands.
In terms of customization, CEO of Christie’s Dan Conn said, “The opportunity to literally develop a private island on a body of water is a testament to Dutch Dockland’s skills in this arena. Buyers are able to customize the size, shape and style of their residence, within the broadest range of locations, beginning with this first opportunity in the Maldives.”
Safety will be no issue in Amillarah. Christie’s has also hired specialists and experts and they guarantee that the land will be safe from rising sea levels. The new venture will give buyers the opportunity to truly make their own paradise that they call their own masterpiece.
Potential buyers can check out their official website at www.amillarah.com. It is currently marketing itself as “Your Own Private Island: A piece of art you can live in.”
Amillarah, een privé eiland die je zelf kan customizen
By Gewoon voor hem
August.2015
Amillarah, een privé eiland dat je zelf kan customizen! Jep, voor de superrijken gaan de mogelijkheden steeds verder en verder.
Volgens Amillarah, wat overigens staat voor privé eiland, zit er één groot nadeel aan het aanschaffen van een privé eiland; de locatie. Vrijwel altijd liggen ze erg afgelegen en zijn de meeste faciliteiten erg kostbaar. Dat is dus verleden tijd, de eilanden zijn geplaatst in een bepaalde zone met de faciliteiten die nodig zijn binnen handbereik. Verder zijn de eilanden te customizen qua indeling en formaat.
De eilanden zijn ontworpen om minimaal 100 jaar in top conditie te blijven, hebben totaal geen (negatieve) impact op de natuur en zullen tevens zorgen voor een prachtige onderwaterwereld die zich kan nestelen onder en rondom jouw stulpje.
Er worden er maar 43 gemaakt, dus zorg dat je er snel bij bent enne.. nodig ons ook even uit!
World’s first portable islands will let super-rich create eco-friendly getaways anywhere on Earth
By Jack Williams
Mirror
August.2015
Amillarah Private Islands have released artists’ impressions of luxury getaways in the Maldives, Miami and Dubai, where work is already is already planne
Want to own your own island but can’t find one in your desired location?
Such issues could soon be consigned to history – for the super-wealthy, at least – after plans were unveiled for the world’s first PORTABLE islands.
These artists’ impressions show the self -sustaining, eco-friendly creations that will allow people to create their own getaways anywhere on Earth.
Each home will adhere to the customer’s every need – with the renderings including options such as swimming pools, boat docks and greenery.
Grand plans: Amillarah Private Islands is the company behind the getaways
Going green: The islands will be eco-friendly and self-sustaining
Amillarah Private Islands are the creative force behind the initiative, which will offer islands in all shapes and sizes.
Their renderings show properties in the likes of the Maldives, Miami and Dubai, where Amillarah islands are already planned.
Where would you park your private island? Have your say in the comment box below.
Bespoke: Each island will adhere to the customer’s every need
Custom-made: Designs feature swimming pools, boat docks and greenery
Amillarah is overseen by developers Dutch Docklands, who have teamed up with Christie’s International Real Estate for the project.
Dan Conn, CEO of Christie’s International Real Estate, said: “The opportunity to literally develop a private island on a body of water is a testament to Dutch Dockland’s skills in this arena.
Take your pick: Amillarah will offer islands in all shapes and sizes
“Buyers are able to customise the size, shape and style of their residence, within the broadest range of locations, beginning with this first opportunity in the Maldives.”
The designs were created by famed Dutch architect Koen Olthuis, who helped found Dutch Docklands, in 2005.
Island life: The designs were created by Dutch architect Koen Olthuis
Each island is intended to keep environmental impact to a minimum using state-of-the-art technology.
The company are already developing 10 properties with the Government of Maldives, which will create a lagoon 25 minutes from the nearest airport.
Tropical: Amillarah are developing 10 properties with the Government of Maldives
In Dubai, OQYANA Real Estate have signed a deal for 33 islands, while in Miami, 30 islands are set to be developed.
Paul van de Camp, CEO of Dutch Docklands, added: “We’ve not only created a new luxury global brand with ‘Amillarah Private Islands’ but also a new industry of private island development to cater to our most discerning clients.
In demand: In Dubai, OQYANA Real Estate have signed a deal for 33 islands
“In addition to our Maldivian project, we have new developments signed in Dubai and Miami, and are actively looking for opportunities worldwide.”
Rick Moeser, Senior Vice President at Christie’s International Real Estate, said: “Each of these homes is an eco-friendly work of art that can be lived in, allowing consumers to not only create, but enjoy whatever kind of paradise they desire.”
Plans underway to build floating luxury islands in the Maldives
Zaheena Rasheed
Maldives Independent
August.2015
The Dutch company that gained global media attention in 2011 for plans to build an 18-hole floating golf-course in the Maldives now plans to sell private floating islands in central Malé atoll,
The ‘Amillarah Private Islands’, by Dutch Docklands and New York based Christie’s International Real Estate, is to feature 10 exclusive villas on portable islands, complete with a private beach, a pool and a jetty to moor yachts.
The floating islands will be self-sufficient, eco-friendly and built to withstand rising seas associated with climate change, Dutch Docklands has said.
The company, which specializes in floating developments, was awarded five lagoons in Kaafu Atoll, all within 25 minutes of the airport as part of a joint venture with the Maldivian government in 2011. The five-lagoon plan also includes 185 over-water luxury villas and a convention center.
A Dutch Docklands’ official said the designs for the floating islands are yet to be approved by the tourism ministry. However, the company hopes to begin construction by the end of the year.
The luxury islands will be leased, the official said. The Maldivian constitution was recently amended to allow foreigners to own land for the first time, but a US$1billion investment is required.
Dutch Docklands has previously said the five-lagoon project will cost US$500million. The Maldivian government holds five percent in the joint venture.
Amillarah properties will be launched in Dubai and Miami next, Christie’s has said.
According to Forbes, the base of the islands will be built to last for over 100 years and designed to create a new underwater habitat for sea life. The project will be designed by renowned architect Koen Olthuis and will include design and research by Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ocean Futures Society charity.
Dan Conn, the CEO of Christie’s International Real Estate said: “Buyers are able to customize the size, shape and style of their residence, within the broadest range of locations, beginning with this first opportunity in the Maldives.”
“We have not only created a new luxury global brand with ‘Amillarah Private Islands’ but also a new industry of private island development to cater to our most discerning clients,” said Paul van de Camp, CEO of Dutch Docklands, according to a press release.
On its website, Dutch Docklands said the project will be the biggest floating development in the world “diversifying Maldivian fame and turning rising seas into prime real estate.”
Hussain Lirar, deputy tourism minister, told The Maldives Independent that the Maldives welcomed innovative concepts in tourism. Floating developments add to tourism in central Maldives as there are no natural islands for resort development in central Kaafu, Lhaviyani and Alif Atolls, he said.
The five lagoons consist of 800 hectares of water. The environmental impact assessments for Dutch Docklands’ first project, the Ocean Flower, is complete and villas will be done within one and a half years. They cost upwards of US$1.5million.
4 Reasons why you should buy your own personalised floating island
By Boat,
August.2015
1. You can customise your private island
The world of private island real estate could be about to dramatically change as Christie’s International has announced a partnership with Dutch Docklands to construct a series of atolls across the globe.
Looking for a secluded island paradise? Discover what Amillarah Private Islands will have to offer:
You can customise your island
Always wanted your own private island but never found one that quite fits your exacting criteria? Panic not as it is possible to customise your island to your wishes.
Dan Conn, CEO of Christie’s International Real Estate. “Buyers are able to customize the size, shape and style of their residence.”
Rick Moeser, the firm’s senior vice president, added: “Each of these homes is an eco-friendly work of art that can be lived in, allowing consumers to not only create, but enjoy whatever kind of paradise they desire.”
2. You can choose the location of your private island
Not only can you customise the design of your island, but you also get to decide where it is located. Maldives? Miami? Dubai? New York? Simply take your pick.
The project is going to start with 10 islands being built in Maldives in a lagoon, which is only a 35-minute transfer by boat from the airport. So whilst you’re exploring the Maldives next, stop by your own private island. In addition, there are already agreements signed in Dubai and Miami and other locations are currently being sought out.
3. Your island will be eco-friendly
With increasing threats to the world’s oceans, it is reassuring to know that the islands will be created using the latest state-of-the-art green technology.
The base of the island is designed to last for more than 100 years and will create a new habitat for sea life to live underneath. The project has teamed up with Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ocean Futures Society to work out better ways to enhance these new ocean habitats.
4.Your island will be constructed using the best in Dutch design
As we know from the superyacht industry, the Dutch are pretty good at creating things that float. Founded in 2005, Dutch Docklands are experts in floating developments, concepts and infrastructure. Using The Netherlands’ experience from the battle against rising water levels the company will create the islands that will be “self-sustainable and safe from rising sea levels”.
“We have not only created a new luxury global brand with Amillarah Private Islands but also a new industry of private island development to cater to our most discerning clients,” said Paul van de Camp, CEO of Dutch Docklands.
All pictures courtesy of Christie’s International
Koen Olthuis keynote speaker at amphibious conference
ICAADE 2015 First international conference on amphibious architecture, design & engineering
ICAADE 2015 is the very first International Conference on Amphibious Architecture, Design and Engineering. Today’s cities are facing huge challenges. They are confronted with increased and uncontrolled urbanization, higher risk of flooding, scarcity of water for industry, households and ecosystems, rising pollution, ground subsidence, and climate change. These trends will have large consequences for the way we design our cities, neighborhoods and buildings.
Recent experiences have shown that amphibious architecture is gaining prominence in catalyzing the transformation of our future urban and rural landscapes to better deal with these challenges. ICAADE 2015 will provide a forum for the presentation, discussion and sharing of research, knowledge and practical experience governing all relevant aspects of this emerging topic.
The objective of the conference is to promote interaction among architects, planners, builders, researchers, engineers, and participants from government and industry, representing a broad range of disciplines such as water management, urban and landscape design, hydraulic engineering, social sciences, humanities, building construction, education and health, and experts from such fields as commerce, policy, information systems, and knowledge management. The conference promises to stimulate thought-provoking debates on amphibious architecture, design and engineering as well as on flood resilience in infrastructure systems and communities affected by flood disasters, and on controversial policy issues. We will welcome delegates from both developing as well as industrialized countries, and we are keen to attract students.
ICAADE 2015 will be held in Bangkok, Thailand, on August 26-29, 2015. A student design workshop will be held prior to the conference, and several post-conference tour options will be available.
WHAT IS AMPHIBIOUS ARCHITECTURE?
Amphibious architecture refers to an alternative flood mitigation strategy that allows an otherwise-ordinary structure to float on the surface of rising floodwater rather than succumb to inundation. An amphibious foundation retains a home’s connection to the ground by resting firmly on the earth under usual circumstances, yet it allows a house to float as high as necessary when flooding occurs. A buoyancy system beneath the house displaces water to provide flotation as needed, and a vertical guidance system allows the rising and falling house to return to exactly the same place upon descent. Amphibious architecture is a flood mitigation strategy that works in synchrony with a floodprone region’s natural cycles of flooding, rather than attempting to obstruct them.
Amphibious construction may also refer to one of several “hybrid” conditions. One such is where the weight of a structure is partially supported by both land and water simultaneously, i.e. where gravity loads are shared by a buoyant substructure and structural elements bearing directly on the solid ground below the water. Another situation is where a mechanical system such as jacks or hydraulic pumps is used to elevate the structure temporarily. A third condition is a “wetproofing” strategy, whereby residents occupy the first floor during dry seasons and move to an upper storey during periods of flooding.
Amphibious design also includes the concepts of land use planning, site selection, community resilience issues such as the place of amphibious buildings in multiple-lines-of-defense systems, and policy considerations.
Amphibious engineering addresses issues such as infrastructure, mechanical systems and utilities, system components and selection criteria, and codification and certification concerns.