SUSTAINABLE URBANISM
Venice, renowned for its unparalleled beauty and historical significance, has long grappled with the ominous threat of rising water levels. In recent years, this challenge has escalated, posing a severe risk to the city's architectural heritage and its thriving tourism industry. In response, a groundbreaking architectural endeavor has emerged, marrying innovation with sustainability to safeguard Venice's future.
Oct. 29, 2018 in Venice, Italy. | Stefano Mazzola/Awakening/Getty Images
Ferrarin, C., Lionello, P., Orlić, M. et al. Venice as a paradigm of coastal flooding under multiple compound drivers. Sci Rep 12, 5754 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-09652-5
The rise in relative sea level in Venice has been significantly influenced by subsidence and eustasy, with average rates of 1.30 and 1.23 mm/year respectively, over the period from 1872 to 2019. Consequently, the selection of extreme values was based on detrending sea level data for Relative Sea Level Rise (RSLR) by subtracting the 19-year centered running mean. This process identified extreme values using the 99th (0.70 m), 99.5th (0.77 m), and 99.9th (0.95 m) percentiles of sea levels, corresponding to 2012, 1005, and 201 events respectively. This detrended dataset, as illustrated in Figure 1, exhibits a more uniform distribution of Extreme Sea Level (ESL) events over time compared to the relative sea-level dataset uncorrected for RSLR.
The heart of the project lies in a revolutionary concept – the deployment of glass cubes strategically placed across the city's waterways. These cubes serve as both a functional solution and an architectural marvel. Their primary function is to mitigate the impact of rising water levels by actively absorbing excess water, thereby safeguarding the city's walkways and historical sites from inundation.
The glass cubes are not merely passive structures but dynamic entities designed to actively manage water levels. Equipped with advanced technology, these cubes possess the ability to absorb and store excess water during high tides or storm surges. This proactive approach not only mitigates the immediate impact of rising waters but also ensures the long-term resilience of Venice against future climate challenges.
Furthermore, the glass cubes serve as the catalyst for the development of floating farms, which surround these structures in a symbiotic relationship. By utilizing the stored water within the cubes for irrigation purposes, these floating farms become self-sustaining ecosystems capable of producing fresh produce for the city's inhabitants. This innovative farming technique not only addresses food security concerns but also reduces the carbon footprint associated with traditional agriculture.
As the floating farms thrive around the glass cubes, a new type of urban landscape emerges – one that seamlessly integrates nature with the built environment. The interconnected network of floating gardens not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of Venice but also promotes biodiversity and ecosystem resilience within the city's waterways.
In parallel with the development of floating farms, the surrounding areas witness the emergence of sustainable communities anchored by the glass cubes. These communities prioritize green spaces, pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, and renewable energy sources, fostering a high quality of life for residents while minimizing environmental impact. Additionally, the incorporation of cultural elements ensures that Venice's unique identity remains preserved amidst this modern evolution.
Beyond their initial function, these glass cubes evolve into vibrant hubs of sustainable living. Over time, they expand to form larger interconnected structures, offering accessible spaces for residents and visitors alike. The incorporation of lush vegetation transforms these cubes into floating gardens, harnessing the stored water for irrigation purposes. As the city transitions into a futuristic metropolis, the cubes serve as the cornerstone of a thriving urban ecosystem.
Health and Well-being:
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Central to the project's ethos is the prioritization of health and well-being. The integration of green spaces within the floating city fosters a harmonious relationship between nature and urban life. Residents have access to fresh produce cultivated within the floating farms, promoting a healthy lifestyle. Additionally, the abundance of greenery contributes to improved air quality and overall mental well-being.
By utilizing glass and vegetation, the design strategy ensures that Venice's historic landmarks are not overshadowed or visually disrupted. Instead, the transparent nature of the cubes allows the city to maintain its luminous quality, enhancing its timeless allure. Through meticulous restoration efforts and a deliberate blend of modernity with tradition, the project celebrates the city's legacy and ensures that its cultural heritage remains unmarred by the threat of flooding.
