Sunday Times 2
Five-star survival
It boasts light, airy rooms, plenty of greenery and no doubt the service would be five-star. But the main reason guests would flock to the Ark Hotel would be its ability to save them from a natural disaster of Noah proportions. That’s because the futuristic building has been designed to withstand floods caused by rising sea levels.
Giant biosphere: Architects have designed a modern day Ark to withstand floods caused by rising sea levels
The floating behemoth is a ‘biosphere’ conceived as a safe, self-contained haven.Branded as a green, self-sustaining environment for guests, the shell-shaped hotel would withstand tidal waves and other natural disasters. Architects say the Ark’s shell-like construction of arches and cables evenly distribute weight so it is also invulnerable to earthquakes.
The design uses solar panels and a rainwater collection system to provide inhabitants with power and water. The greenhouse-like environment also provides for lush vegetation to help with air quality and provide food sources.Because of the see-through structure enough daylight is filtered through internal rooms to reduce the need for lighting.And to ensure quality of light, the frame is protected with a self-cleaning layer.
The Ark has been designed by Russian firm Remistudio with the assistance of the International Union of Architects’ program Architecture For Disaster Relief.Alexander Remizov, of Remistudio, has previously said: ‘For architecture, there are two major concerns.
‘The first is maintenance of security and precautions against extreme environmental conditions and climate changes. The second one is protection of natural environment from human activities.
‘The Ark is an attempt to answer the challenges of our time. Provision is made for an independent life support system.
‘All the plants are chosen according to compatibility, illumination and efficiency of oxygen producing, and with the aim of creating an attractive and comfort space.
‘Through the transparent roof there is enough light for plants and for illuminating the inner rooms.’
© Daily Mail, London
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