Buildings of the "future"

[Leisher]

Interesting slide show.

The last one I find most fascinating. I'd be awesome, yet shitty, to live there.

And if rogue waves are as common as some folks think, wouldn't that be a huge issue? Or at least, just a matter of time?

Also, I think it gives off a Deep Space 9 look...

[thibodeaux]

#5: "Utilizing solar panels to capture the sun's energy and glazed glass to reflect the sun's rays."

[TPRJones]

Floating ocean habitats are an eventual possibility, but they'll look nothing like that. Well, maybe superficially on top, but the bulk of it would be a huge wide cylinder that is mostly submerged. You have to make it big and heavy and floating low in the water to completely counter the effects of wind and waves, like they do for the big oil platforms. Some of the largest ones will ride out a hurricane without making you seasick. That's the type of design most likely to be practical for permanent large-scale high seas living.

But it wouldn't look as glamorous for some future architectural wank story.

[GORDON]

The point of these ocean-going habitats is, generally, to get outside of oppressive governmental boundaries. We certainly aren't hurting for space on the planet, in spite of what city-dwelling hippies tell you.

It looks like it would cost billions to build a massive ocean-going habitat... why not instead take that money, buy out a small dysfunctional African nation, and build your benevolent, libertarian, capitalist paradise there? Put 90% of your first decade tax revenue into border protection and police services, and eventually the locals will get a civilized mindset when they finally realize that government thugs aren't going to be knocking at 2am, roving bands of thugs are no longer going unchecked, etc. Police will wear cameras at all time to help keep corruption in check. Peeps will be unsatisfied if they are hungry, so everyone gets fed until they learn to crawl, walk, etc.

And I want public floggings for minor offenses.