carlo ratti to construct floating currie park plaza using submarine technologies

turin-based firm carlo ratti associati has presented their master plan for a floating plaza for part of west palm beach’s new currie park waterfront. the project proposes to transform a 19 hectare vacant area on the coast of lake worth lagoon –a narrow channel that divides west palm beach and palm beach– to create a new complex to host a mixed-use building featuring residential, retail and leisure facilities.

all images © carlo ratti associati

placed directly into the center of the lagoon, carlo ratti would utilize submarine technologies to realize this floating plaza which sits directly on the water. this would be partly submerged due to a system of responsive air chambers similar to the ones used by submarines. the completed peninsula will incorporate a series of public facilities, including an organic restaurant with its own hydroponic cultivations, a circular pool, an auditorium, and a water plaza.

the project will transform a 19-hectare vacant area on the coast of lake worth lagoon

the floating plaza, sitting on the safe waters of lake worth lagoon, will be supported upon a series of air chambers that automatically open and close, releasing or taking in water according to the number of people that are walking on the surface. ‘architecture usually conceives of buildings as separate, autonomous entities, but in this case, the plaza inhabits the water as if it was carved right into it’, comments architect carlo ratti ‘the water becomes a moving element that harmoniously accommodates the new public space’.

the master plan will coalesce around a newly expanded currie park, which will extend out across the city from its
current waterfront location via a pair of leafy ramblas

the project will anchor a new, lively part of the city, featuring residential towers, a pool terrace overlooking the sea, and a retail area that will include a food hall dedicated to organic products. the master plan will also reshape the waterfront’s overall terrain. construction will break ground next month and will be completed by 2018, allowing people to seamlessly live in their city – on the ground and over the water.

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