In the face of escalating climate change, one Egyptian architect is making waves with a bold vision for our future. Ghada Mohammad Elrayies, from the Architecture and Urban Planning Department at Port Said University, is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on the high seas. Her latest research, published in the journal ‘Sustainable Futures’ (translated from Arabic), explores the potential of self-sufficient ocean settlements (SSOSs) as a solution to some of our most pressing environmental challenges.
So, what’s the big idea? Well, Elrayies argues that as sea levels rise and coastal cities become increasingly vulnerable, we should look to the vast expanse of the ocean for solutions. “The oceans can solve current problems and be considered an asset for future generations,” she states in her research. But this isn’t just about building a few floating houses and calling it a day. Elrayies is talking about fully-fledged cities, complete with their own renewable energy sources, food production systems, and even carbon dioxide reservoirs.
Now, you might be thinking, “That sounds great, but how on earth do we build something like that?” Well, that’s where the multidisciplinary approach comes in. Elrayies’ research brings together experts from various fields, including architecture, marine engineering, and environmental science, to tackle the challenges head-on. And let’s not forget the commercial opportunities here. The maritime industry could see a boom in demand for specialized vessels, construction materials, and even new types of marine infrastructure.
But it’s not all smooth sailing. Elrayies acknowledges that there are significant hurdles to overcome. For starters, there’s the issue of community acceptance. People might be hesitant to trade in their terra firma for a life on the waves. Then there’s the environmental impact to consider. We don’t want to create a solution that ends up causing more problems than it solves. And let’s not forget the cost. Building cities at sea isn’t going to be cheap.
Elrayies also highlights the gap between architectural proposals and marine engineering solutions. In other words, we might have some fancy designs, but we’re not quite sure how to make them a reality yet. And what about submerged architecture? That’s a whole other can of worms. But Elrayies is undeterred. She believes that by addressing these challenges head-on, we can pave the way for a sustainable future on the high seas.
So, what does this mean for the maritime industry? Well, for one thing, it’s a call to action. If we’re serious about combating climate change, we need to start thinking outside the box. And that means exploring innovative solutions like SSOSs. But it’s not just about the environment. There are commercial opportunities here too. The maritime industry could play a crucial role in making these ocean cities a reality.
But it’s not just about the big players. Elrayies’ research also highlights the need for collaboration. We need to bring together experts from various fields, along with policymakers and community leaders, to make this vision a reality. And that means there are opportunities for everyone, from small businesses to major corporations.
So, is “blue” the new “green”? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure: Ghada Mohammad Elrayies is leading the charge in exploring this exciting new frontier. And if her research is anything to go by, the future of sustainable living might just be floating on the waves.