A floating city is being constructed in the Maldives as a practical solution to sea-level rise. The city will consist of 5,000 floating units including houses, restaurants, shops, and schools. The project aims to provide affordable housing and create safe communities for the vulnerable population of the Maldives. Floating architecture has gained momentum as a solution to rising sea levels, with the Netherlands leading the way in this movement. The cost of not adapting to flood risks is significant, making floating architecture an economically smart solution. The Maldives project aims to demonstrate that floating cities can be both scalable and affordable, offering a sustainable and self-sufficient alternative to traditional urban development.
| Signal | Change | 10y horizon | Driving force |
|---|---|---|---|
| Floating city construction in the Maldives | From land-based cities to floating cities | Floating cities become more common and practical | Climate change and sea-level rise |
| Floating architecture as a solution to climate change | From traditional architecture to floating architecture | More floating buildings and cities around the world | Climate change and urbanization |
| Cost of not adapting to flood risks | From delayed response to proactive planning | Increased focus on climate adaptation solutions | Economic costs and extreme weather events |
| Scale and affordability of floating architecture | From small-scale luxury projects to larger, affordable cities | Scaling up and speeding up floating architecture | Urgency for scale and speed in addressing climate change |
| Construction of a floating city in the Maldives | From overcrowded land-based cities to a spacious floating city | Improved living conditions and affordable housing | Population density and limited space in the Maldives |
| Self-sufficiency and sustainability of floating cities | From reliance on traditional infrastructure to self-sufficient floating cities | Renewable energy, waste management, and energy-saving solutions | Environmental impact and resource efficiency |