A young Belgian architect imagines fantastical projects that address the world’s environmental and social ills
Physalia
This amphibious garden, engineered to clean the water as it sails through European waterways, is part of a portfolio of projects imagined by architect Vincent Callebaut. Though none of the structures in this gallery have been realized, the work, which has been exhibited all over the world, focuses on high-tech designs that address the many environmental pressures bearing down on the planet.Vincent Callebaut Architect
Perfumed Jungle, the Marina
The proposal for the Hong Kong project imagines "a continuous, fluctuating open space" amid open-air swimming pools, marinas, quays and pedestrian promenades, as well as "lagoons of biologic purification, oceanography museums or even subaquatic operas."Vincent Callebaut Architect
Physalia, Alternate View
In his presentation of this project, the architect writes, "Man is at the center of this bionic project, suggesting a balance between human actions and respect for the environment. The architecture of this nomadic place, a powerful concentration of nature, biotechnology, information and communication technologies, is a simple reflection of the contemporary citizen who wonders about the effects of his conduct on the environment."Vincent Callebaut Architect
Antismog
A catalyst for cleaner air is envisioned for Paris' 19th arrondissement.Vincent Callebaut Architect
Ecomic
Conceived as a vertical tree to be built on the Plaza of Three Cultures in Mexico City, — the name is an acronym for "Ecological and Metropolitan Infographic Center" — would display maps and other graphic representations of the Mexican capital.Vincent Callebaut Architect
Landscript
This image shows an interior view of a residential building, part of a proposal to develop a city for 100,000 that would be "cloned" from the landscape around Geneva.Vincent Callebaut Architect
Dragonfly
In the opening of his presentation for this vertical urban farm proposed for New York City's East River, the architect declares "the world of fast and frozen food to be over." The building would include floors for agriculture, meat, milk, poultry and eggs.Vincent Callebaut Architect
Lilypad
A "half aquatic and half terrestial city," this floating island would accommodate 50,000 inhabitants and encompass three marinas, shops and entertainment.Vincent Callebaut Architect
Lilypad, Alternate View
In order to nurture the coral and sea life that form its foundation, Callebaut suggests, Lilypad would follow the currents. In this drawing, two versions of the finished structure float off the coast of Monaco; the architect's drawings also show them amid the Maldives archipelago.Vincent Callebaut Architect
Hydrogenase
An inhabited vertical aircraft, would rely on algae to produce biofuels for its operation. Inspired by natural shapes, the project is shown here over water; the architect's presentation also includes the aircraft hovering over Shanghai.Vincent Callebaut Architect
Perfumed Jungle
Conceived as a response to the density of Hong Kong, this project would "renaturalize" the city by extending the Central Waterfront and populating it with "techno-organic towers." The buildings would be sheathed in a fertilized substrate that would enable the growth of luxuriant vegetation.Vincent Callebaut Architect
