Floating Towards Sustainable Future Learning from Vernacular Waterborne Communities.

Global sea-level rise is reshaping coastal geographies, posing a significant threat to the survival of cities worldwide. The rapid urbanisation, coupled with an ongoing housing crisis, compounds environmental challenges, compelling coastal cities to urgently address these adversities. Recently, the notion of floating habitats has reemerged in the arsenal of contemporary planning strategies and architectural practices. Despite the ambitious proposals, little progress has been made in actual construction. A prime example is “Oceanix City,” designed in 2019 as the first proto-type of a resilient and sustainable floating community. However, factors such as cost, technology, and politics have impeded its implementation. This delay, combined with a neglect of the architectural heritage and the anthropological capacity for a swift transition to new living environment, exacerbates the situation. This raises concerns about whether floating cities truly represent a sustainable solution for achieving coastal resilience and combating climate change in the coming years. In contrast, traditional floating communities, often referred to as “primitive floating cities,” offer a glimmer of hope. They teach how to balance human needs with the ecosystems that support them without causing harm. Today, these settlements serve as a testament to humanity’s ability to live in harmony with water and maintain balance with nature (Rudofsky in Architecture without architects: a short introduction to non-pedigreed architecture. MoMA Press Release, New York, 1964). This paper delves into the principles behind the lastingness of these traditional communities. Its objective is to demonstrate how a vernacular approach can enhance the sustainable goals of contemporary floating visions. The paper emphasises the reflection on the context, the use of local materials, the importance of nurturing nature, and the value of archi-tectural identity in preserving communities. Ultimately, the paper advocates for a reconsideration of traditional building principles in shaping resilient and sustainable contemporary floating habitats.