Vincent Callebaut’s projects may seem unbelievable, but his designs could have insight on a more sustainable future. His works combine greenery, technology and architecture, and although they seem almost mythical, two of his projects are due to be built in the next few years, according to New Atlas.
His firm, Vincent Callebaut Architectures, in Paris, France, has an identifiable design with nature, honeycomb patterns and geometry.
This ferry terminal design would resemble an enormous manta and reside in Seoul, South Korea. The ferry would float in place to help with seasonal flooding and include sustainable technology, allowing it to produce constant energy.
The Manta Ray proposal was designed for a competition and consists of two parts. The first includes landscaping to help with flood protection, pedestrian paths and bicycle lanes. The second part includes the ferry, which would comprise three levels each having a unique purpose. The roof would encompass a rooftop solar power array with a wind turbine farm.
Manta Ray architectural drawing and final design. Credit: Vincent Callebaut Architectures
Callebaut’s architecture is not just a fantasy. The Agora Garden Tower is actually being built in Taipei, Taiwan. The construction began in 2013 and was inspired by DNA’s double-helix shape. The tower has a total of 20 stories and twists at 4.5 degrees at each floor. The twists let residents enjoy panoramic views of their neighboring skyscraper, the Taipei 101.
The residential building will contain 23,000 trees located on the grounds and balconies, which they believe will absorb 130 tons of CO2 each year. Additionally, rainwater capture and a recycling system on the roof provides technology to the toilets.
The Agora Garden Tower. Credit: Vincent Callebaut Architectures
This vertical, still imaginative, village has a sustainable design with a “grow your own garden” feature on each patio. The hyperions, named after the Californian coast redwood trees, would comprise of 26 floors with specialized greenhouses. The design also mentions breeding fish and using their waste as fertilizer within the small farms in the towers.
Other features Callebaut would like to see incorporated are electricity-generating wind turbines and solar panels, and the ability to re-use rainwater and greywater. Although ambitious, Callebaut assured Gizmag that the project would be completed in 2022 at the Jaypee Sports City development in Greater Noida.
The construction of the primarily timber-based towers. Credit: Vincent Callebaut Architectures
Filed Under: Rapid prototyping