physalia - floating agora
all images courtesy of vincent callebaut architectures

vincent callebaut architectures have designed 'physalia', an architectural prototype of
an amphibious garden - a floating agora which is meant to clean waterways in europe.
the project aims to meet the needs of maintaining a sustainable management of
water resources.

the roof of the structure contains a double pneumatic membrane chiseled with smooth
photovoltaic solar cells. under the hull, hydro-turbines transform the energy of the fluvial
stream into hydro-electricity. the surface of the vessel is made from an aluminum covering
which covers the multi-hull steel structure. the silver-plated dress is covered by a TiO2
layer of anatase shapes that when reacting to ultraviolet rays, reduces water pollution.
in addition to being a self-cleaning vessel, it can absorb and recycle by photo-catalytic effect.
physalia is crossed in its double hull by a hydraulic network that filters the fluvial water
and purifies it biologically thanks to its planted roof. the interior is divided into four thematic gardens:
water, fire, earth, air.


east elevation


east elevation


green roof of phytopurification and photovoltaic pneumatic lens


steel hull construction and aluminum superstructure with view of the air garden


interior scenography - view of the water garden and earth garden


profile


inside view of the air garden


view of physalia's deck

potential locations for the physalia:


letna, prague


thames, london


seine, paris


seine, paris


physale - starting point of the structure's form


longitudinal section


level of the air garden


cross section


diagrams and bionic transposition of bio-luminescent pneumatophorous