Dubai Lily Pad Floating City

Architectural Concept: Lilypad Floating City

Water CityBy now, most of us have heard about the Island Cities being built in Dubai , but Inhabitat has just done a feature on a new concept by artist Vincent Callebaut for a self-sufficient floating city that will never have to face a problem about finding land to build on. The "Lilypad" would take advantage of all of today's green technologies, including generating power from the sun, wind and water, and would produce zero emissions from its residents. Don't expect to see construction on one of these anytime soon, but don't be surprised if, like the Island Cities in Dubai, real estate starts branching out into the oceans in the next decade.


























Dubai

Most of us have heard about the Island Cities being built in Dubai , but Inhabitant has just done a feature on a new concept by artist Vincent Callebaut for a self-sufficient floating city that will never have to face a problem about finding land to build on. The “Lily pad” would take advantage of all of today’s green technologies, including generating power from the sun, wind and water, and would produce zero emissions from its residents. It will take some time for the onstruction on one of these, but not so yet. Nevertheless, don’t be surprised if, like the Island Cities in Dubai , real estate starts branching out into the oceans in the next decade.

The earliest recorded mention of Dubai is in 1095, and the earliest settlement known as Dubai town dates from 1799. Dubai was formally established in the early 19th century by the Al Abu Falasa clan of Bani Yas, and it remained under clan control when the United Kingdom assumed the protection of Dubai in 1892. Dubai was an important port and trading hub by the beginning of the 20th century. In 1966, the town joined the newly independent country of Qatar to set up a new monetary unit. In the same year oil was discovered and the oil economy lead to a massive influx of foreign workers, quickly expanding the city by 300% and bringing in international oil interests. The modern emirate of Dubai was created after the UK left the area in 1971. A free trade zone was built around the Jebel Ali port in 1979, allowing foreign companies unrestricted import of labour and export capital. The Gulf War of 1990 had a negative financial effect on the city, as depositors withdrew their money and traders withdrew their trade, but subsequently the city recovered in a changing political climate and thrived. Today, Dubai has emerged as a global city and a business hub, wellknown by its tourism, real estate, and financial services.