Building on Water: Studying the Effects of Buoyancy on Architectural Forms

Abstract

Our planet is 71% water and 29% land. That land is filling up quick and is going to look a lot smaller for the coming generations. With an ever-growing world population, that is already at almost 7.5 Billion people, we are looking at a future with scarce resources and overpopulation, but maybe we aren't making the most of what we have available. With rising sea levels creeping up on our shores, why not build offshore? This research project will investigate the practicality of building on the water. The main challenge with this question of practicality is how do we make architecture float? Using simulation and case study research to solve this challenge, this study will theoretically propose that building off the coast, on the ocean, can be done and is a viable option for the future of an ever-developing world.