{"id":760014,"date":"2024-10-15T08:59:20","date_gmt":"2024-10-15T07:59:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.architectsjournal.co.uk\/?p=760014"},"modified":"2024-10-15T10:38:58","modified_gmt":"2024-10-15T09:38:58","slug":"foster-partners-draws-up-plans-to-save-maldives-island-from-rising-sea-levels","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.architectsjournal.co.uk\/news\/foster-partners-draws-up-plans-to-save-maldives-island-from-rising-sea-levels","title":{"rendered":"Foster + Partners draws up plans to protect Maldives island from rising sea levels"},"content":{"rendered":"

The practice is working with the state-owned Maldives Fund Management Corporation on the proposal for the low-lying archipelago which is already \u2018suffering greatly\u2019 from the effects of global climate change and is at severe risk of flooding. Foster + Partners said the effects of pollution and rising sea temperatures were also threatening the island’s biodiversity.<\/p>\n

Under the six-point masterplan, land will be reclaimed, using low-impact building techniques and potentially 3D-printed modules, and built at a higher level.<\/p>\n

Environmental protection zones will be planted around the edges of the island to create \u2018green buffers\u2019 against extreme conditions.<\/p>\n

The scheme also aims to better integrate the island\u2019s population with tourists through floating parks providing space for locals and visitors to relax and socialise together.<\/p>\n

The masterplan, developed with the practice\u2019s sustainability team and in-house ecologists, also sets out how the island can reduce its reliance on imports of food and energy, looking to produce all its fruit and vegetables through local farming, hydroponics and greenhouses on the new pontoons.<\/p>\n

Photovoltaic panels will also be housed on the floating platforms.<\/p>\n

Fosters head of studio Luke Fox said: \u2018Climate change and the resulting rising sea levels have brought the existential struggles of communities in archipelagos around the world into sharp focus.<\/p>\n

\u2018Future sustainable developments on island habitats \u2013 such as Gaafaru \u2013 must embrace ideals of resilience and harmony with nature, offering a forward-looking approach that serves the futures of its inhabitants.\u2019<\/p>\n

Fosters partner Tony Miki added that a significant part of the project had been about \u2018identifying and understanding the various challenges\u2019 before \u2018working out how to tackle them in the most holistic way possible\u2019.<\/p>\n

He went on: \u2018Our masterplan seeks to embed resilience into the built fabric for the next 100 years, providing ecological protection, social equity, and preserving Maldivian cultural heritage.\u2019<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\n

The six core principles<\/h3>\n

1. Adapting to rising sea levels and extreme conditions<\/strong>
\nThe masterplan is based on environmental analysis and understanding rising sea levels over the next century. Land will be sustainably reclaimed \u2013 using low-impact building techniques \u2013 and built at a higher level to decrease the risk of flooding for 100 years. Around the edge of the masterplan, environmental protection zones with native planting act as a green buffer to provide resiliency against extreme conditions.<\/p>\n

2. Minimising damaging dredging and land reclamation practices<\/strong>
\nDredging methods have been carefully considered, with strict regulation standards and international best practices being applied. Traditionally reclaimed land will be reduced by 45 per cent \u2013 from business-as-usual building methods in the Maldives \u2013 with the use of piling, floating and berm-only reclamation to minimise environmental impact. Seventy per cent of reclaimed land will be given over to marine and terrestrial habitats for native planting. Pilot projects could also offer innovative new methods for land reclamation, such as 3D-printed modules.<\/p>\n

3. Nurturing ecology<\/strong>
\nThe island\u2019s ecology, one of its greatest assets, will be protected through the implementation of Marine Protected Areas. These areas preserve habitats, species and processes that are essential for healthy, functioning marine ecosystems. A marine institute will provide education for visitors and locals, encourage international researchers to visit Gaafaru, and explore new restoration initiatives that benefit the island\u2019s ecology.<\/p>\n

4. Enhancing prosperity for all<\/strong>
\nThe masterplan for this integrated tourism project \u2013 which consists of private islands and ultra-luxury resorts \u2013 aims to diversify economic opportunities in the Maldives and leverage Gaafaru\u2019s population growth. New employment opportunities for local people are created through resorts and floating platforms, featuring modular units for energy and local food production.<\/p>\n

5. Unifying communities<\/strong>
\nTo integrate locals and tourists, the masterplan will provide a mobility network that connects local areas with new resorts. Vibrant new destinations and guesthouses within existing local communities will attract visitors to these areas and provide new employment opportunities for those living there. Recreational parks will be located on the floating platforms, providing space for locals and visitors to relax and socialise together.<\/p>\n

6. Establishing net zero energy, water and waste<\/strong>
\nThe masterplan will significantly reduce the island\u2019s reliance on imports. All fruit and vegetables will be produced through local farming, hydroponics and greenhouses on the new floating platforms, which will also provide energy through the use of photovoltaics. Local passive design measures will reduce energy consumption by 30 per cent. Grey and black water will be collected, treated and reused on-site for irrigation, outdoor cleansing and toilet flushing. A circular economy ensures byproducts from the treatment of waste and water are reintegrated across the masterplan.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\"\"

Foster + Partners has developed a vision masterplan for Gaafaru, an inhabited
island of Kaafu Atoll.<\/p>\n\t

Source:Foster + Partners<\/p><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The practice is working with the state-owned Maldives Fund Management Corporation on the proposal for the low-lying archipelago which is already \u2018suffering greatly\u2019 from the effects of global climate change and is at severe risk of flooding. Foster + Partners said the effects of pollution and rising sea temperatures were also threatening the island’s biodiversity. …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":915,"featured_media":760184,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_oasis_is_in_workflow":0,"_oasis_original":0,"ep_exclude_from_search":false},"categories":[681],"tags":[2315,2152,1181,101347],"yoast_head":"\nFoster + Partners draws up plans to protect Maldives island from rising sea levels<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Foster + Partners has drawn up a climate change-resilient masterplan for Gaafaru island in the Maldives, half of which is expected to be lost to the sea within the next century\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" 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