m i l i m e t d e s i g n – A r c h i t e c t u r e M a g a z i n e

vincent callebaut architectures: physalia – amphibious garden to clean waterways

physalia – floating agora
all images courtesy of vincent callebaut architecturesvincent callebaut architectures have designed ‘physalia’, an architectural prototype of
an amphibious garden – a floating agora which is meant to clean waterways in europe.
the project aims to meet the needs of maintaining a sustainable management of
water resources.east elevationeast elevationpotential locations for the physalia:

letna, prague

the roof of the structure contains a double pneumatic membrane chiseled with smooth
photovoltaic solar cells. under the hull, hydro-turbines transform the energy of the fluvial
stream into hydro-electricity. the surface of the vessel is made from an aluminum covering
which covers the multi-hull steel structure. the silver-plated dress is covered by a TiO2
layer of anatase shapes that when reacting to ultraviolet rays, reduces water pollution.
in addition to being a self-cleaning vessel, it can absorb and recycle by photo-catalytic effect.
physalia is crossed in its double hull by a hydraulic network that filters the fluvial water
and purifies it biologically thanks to its planted roof. the interior is divided into four thematic gardens:
water, fire, earth, air.