Floating Vision Koen Olthuis
Koen Olthuis is the founder of the Dutch architectural firm Waterstudio, NL that specializes in floating structures to counter concerns and impact of floods due to climate change and rising sea levels. During his UP presentation -- A Sustainable Future on the Waterfront -- Koen will share his vision for literally building entire communities -- and cities -- that float! He studied architecture and industrial design at the Delft University of Technology, and has a patent on the methodology for producing a "floating base." In 2007, Koen was listed as one of "the most influential people in the world" in a readers' poll by TIME magazine due to the worldwide interest in water developments. The French magazine Terra Eco chose him as one of the "100 green persons that will change the world" in 2011.
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TEDxWarwick - Koen Olthuis - Floating City Apps.flv
Koen Olthuis studied Architecture and Industrial Design at the Delft University of Technology. He is founder of the Dutch architectural firm Waterstudio.NL that specializes in floating structures to counter concerns of floods, which are both a local concern (since one-third of the Netherlands is reclaimed land) as well as a global one, due to the possible effects of climate change. In 2007 he was chosen as number 122 on TIME Magazine's list of the most influential people in the world due to the worldwide interest in water developments. In his vision, today's designers are an essential part of the climate change generation. New and expected climate effects, together with the pressure on space through urbanization, will push our design targets beyond the waterfront. This involves not only developing architectural concepts and typologies, but also a new sustainable way of dealing with water as well as a dynamic approach to city planning.
By introducing new innovative concepts and visions we can achieve positive and sustainable architectural, urban, social and environmental results while dealing with water management problems at the same time.
With floating architecture we can create high-quality living space on water, offering equal comfort, cost of ownership and lifespan as traditional building methods. Moreover, using existing urban water as building ground offers space for new density, offering opportunities for cities worldwide to respond flexibly to climate change and urbanization.
The first city in which this vision is being developed, is The Westland, near The Hague in Holland. This project incorporates both floating social housing, floating islands, and floating apartment buildings.
A sustainable future lies beyond the waterfront!
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussi
The Ocean Flower
The Ocean Flower, a pioneering development that takes its name from a typical Maldivian flower, is the first of five spectacular oceanfront developments in the Maldives. The Master plan "The 5 Lagoons" is being developed by Dutch Docklands International in a joint venture with the government of the Maldives. All developments are uniquely located in the most upmarket part of the Maldives, the North Male atoll, only 20 minutes by boat from the capitol of Male and the international airport. The first phase of 185 spectacular waterfront villas, all with private pool is now for sale. With the Maldives firmly established as one of the world's most exclusive and beautiful destinations, owning a property at The Ocean Flower is an excellent opportunity to gain an outstanding return on investment by renting out your property through a five star hotel operator. The Ocean Flower offers an array of amenities such as a pristine beach, restaurants, shops, a diving centre, a spa, swimming pools and small private islands where you can relax or enjoy a picnic in the gentle ocean breeze. The spacious oceanfront villas are fully furnished, have spacious terraces and a private plunge pool and are just a short boat ride away from the international airport.
Where there is nothing, anything is possible...
