Dutch craftsmanship in the Maldives

Architecture firm Waterstudio and Dutch Docklands joined forces to develop a floating city in the Maldives.

Architectural firm water studio en dutch docklands joined forces to create a floating city to be developed in the Maldives. The project efficiently responds to the threat of rising seas on the islands; These leading Dutch companies know what to do with this...Text: Fleur de Jong
Image: Waterstudio | Dutch Docklands MaldivesThe project Maldives Floating City, which was created in collaboration with the local government, is located in a lagoon just minutes from Male, capital of the Maldives. The unique city consists of no fewer than 5.000 floating units containing homes, restaurants, companies and schools. Channels run between the units in a pattern inspired by brain coral. The city is expected to be inhabitable from 2024 and will be ready in 2027. 

Revolutionary

The Maldives, an archipelago of 1.190 low-lying islands, is one of the world's most vulnerable countries to climate change. Eighty percent of the land area is less than one meter above sea level. The architects from Waterstudio and the developers from Dutch Docklands offer a revolutionary approach to modern and sustainable living in the beautiful azure blue backdrop of the Maldives with this first-of-its-kind island city. The smart infrastructure and dynamic composition respond to weather and climate change, as the city moves with the tide. 

De The project's potential environmental impact was thoroughly assessed by local coral experts and approved by the government before construction began. To support marine life, its artificial coral banks made that helps coral grow naturally. The colored houses with wide balconies on the island must offer a home 20.000 people. The island's electricity will be generated from solar energy and, as an alternative to air conditioning, cold water from the deep sea will be pumped into the lagoon. Also read: 'DMD Amsterdam: antique estates, modern hospitality'