Climate change adaptation: the world’s first self-sufficient floating city
Located in the Maldives, construction will begin this year and in 2024 its new residents will move in to what can house around 20,000 inhabitants.
The Maldives are one of the most chosen paradisiacal destinations to go on vacation. These islands, located in the Pacific Ocean, will be responsible for hosting the world’s first floating city.
The project, which been appropriately named Maldives Floating City (MFC), is spearheaded by the Dutch company Duck Docklands. Construction will begin this year and the idea is that, in less than five years, when all the developments are estimated to be completed, it will house around 20,000 people. The first inhabitants will be able to start moving to this city from 2024.
Maldives Floating City: low houses, sea facing, with terrace
The city will have 5,000 floating units that will include houses, restaurants, shops, schools and canals between the different components of the island. In addition, it is only 10 minutes from Malé, the capital of the Maldives.
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The constructions will be of a low height, located in front of the sea and will be distributed in 100m2 of housing and 40m2 of terracing on each roof. The price of these homes will be around 250,000 US dollars, as detailed by the construction company and the Government of Maldives.
Solution for the next few years
One of the peculiarities of Maldives Floating City is that its construction is intended as a practical solution to the reality of rising sea levels, caused by climate change.
The Maldives are one of the nations that are suffering the most from this effect and, therefore, are more vulnerable. Just consider for a moment that 80% of its surface area is less than a meter above sea level and, if predictions come true, and nothing else is done, it could be submerged by the end of the century.
This project developed in the Maldives is not the first of a floating city as such. In South Korea and the Baltic countries this type of city has been developed by the Dutch company Blue21. However, none compete with Maldives Floating City, both in terms of population size and in the timescales associated with its construction.