Innovative floating design to save San Francisco Bay Area?

 

Can houseboat villages save San Francisco Bay?


Approximately 20 and 165 square miles of San Francisco Bay Area are at risk due to the threat of a rising sea level and sinking ground levels. The communities living here raise their concerns about this matter. The story is not new but it is still a controversial topic. Thus the big question is: how to save the Bay? The answer might be found in innovative floating villages.


By Linh Vo | images by BIG/ONE/Sherwood Design Engineers

 

 

San Francisco South Bay floating village and houseboats

 

 

Those who live on a houseboat, or rent one for an unforgettable holiday, know about the advantages of living on the water. But you might not have realized that these floating structures could be the solution for the great challenges that coastal areas like the SF Bay face. In late 2017, a group of architects and urban designers proposed a unique plan to potentially save the area. The project includes houseboat villages, a hanging park, wave blockades, alternative lanes for buses and roads will be re-organized for electric vehicles’ benefits. 

 

 

San Fransisco South Bay floating village

 

 

The proposal is submitted by three large firms namely: Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), One Architecture + Urbanism (ONE), and Sherwood Design Engineers. The plan focuses on three main territories: The South Bay, an area near the Golden Gate Bridge and Islais Creek’s industrial area.

 

 

 

Also, the City of San Francisco will select some of the talented designers for their Islais Creek’s project. The authorities are yearning to build a new park and renovate the pier. The final plans will be presented at the end of May.


Enjoy these fruitful designs with which architects hope to bring a happy smile back to The Bay’s Communities!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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