Aqua Civitas Code PAB009 Aqua civitas reflects a geometric planning strategy that is flexible. Chaos persist, only in so much as to generate order of a greater magnitude and significance. Efficiency and Stability is built into the system such that further developments does not compromise the existing structure and community. Idea/ Concept The location on water, without terrain and physical obstructions, lend itself to a geometric planning strategy. The focus we examine is a hexagon, when interlock with other hexagons in a stable and logical arrangement, create a form of infinite possibility and fractal beauty. Behind all the possible variation and permutations, there is a guiding principle to its growth and adaptation. Chaos persist, only in so much as to generate order of a greater magnitude and significance. Efficiency and Stability is built into the system such that further developments do not compromise the existing structure and community. It spreads like life itself from the shore, across the sea, into the ocean, towards a future of cities on the water. Assumptions Aqua Civitas, located along the 40° N latitude, lies in a temperate climate, with average temperatures between 29°F and 85°F. Summer winds coming mainly from the South West flow through the hexagonal grid of structures. Winter winds from the West are shielded off by the resort structure and are diverted through the hexagonal grid. Aqua Civitas is designed for 150 permanent households : 200-250 working adults (age 18-60), 250-300 children (age <18) and 50 retirees (age >60). 80% of working adults commute to work on shore through the passenger rail. Masterplan The community is tied back to the coastal city by means of three high speed rail lines (two passenger, one freight). These lines enable people to commute and ship land based goods back and forth from the city each day. The structural grid also function as the infrastructure distribution network. Key nodes are anchored to the seabed through mooring points. Floating hollow "beams" span between the nodes; Electrical, water and sewage pipes run through the beams which are accessible for easy maintenance. Floating building units or floor slabs then attach to this structural grid; larger buildings can be composed of a few of these units joined together. Commercial development is concentrated along the major E-W axis of the community. Commercial development on the other two major branches of the community is focussed on providing residents with the basic goods and services of every day life. Single Family residences and small apartment buildings exist primarily on the North and South legs. Larger apartment complexes exist closer to the major tourism areas. Some residential development also stretches toward the school and civic center, both of which focus on residential life more than tourism Technology Strings of wave generators float at the perimeter of the city, supplying energy to the residents. It also helps to protect the inner water by damping the waves. It is attached to the same structural grid such that it can be easily moved when the city expands. Sewage is treated locally through a series of decomposing tanks suspended in water. As the sewage pass from tank to tank, the settling process removes particles and enzymes removes any chemical impurities. The methane generated is collected and used to generate electricity. The final product is clean water that can be used in industries and toilets. A tall tower with a solar collector at its top stands in the center of the city. All the surrounding buildings have mirrors on their roofs and directing light to the collector. The heat that is collected generates steam which in turns generates electricity in a turbine generator. The water and molten salt is recycled and there is no by-products in the process. This process also serves to desalinate the sea water for use by the community. Dwelling Unit The design of the city is geared towards standardization yet allowing for flexibility. The dwelling units will be made off-site and floated into place. To withstand the harsh conditions, concrete treated with corrosion inhibitors is chosen as the primary material. The single family house we designed is a result of climatic considerations. There are large operable windows on the south side to let in light during winter. The vertical shaft allows natural ventilation through stack effect to occur. East and west facades are shaded by tensile membranes that are shaded like sails. The reflective mirror mounted on the north elevation reflects light onto the collector. Social Fabric Aqua-civitas's streets echo the rich fabric of the life they contain. The commercial/tourist districts are alive with color and filled with unique designs. Open outdoor areas are important in the life of a community. Pedestrian roads run through the center of each leg of the community. These roads are lined by buildings on both sides, protecting them from the sea in unfavorable weather. The entire community is also lined with boardwalks and docks such that people can travel along, or access the sea from any point in the community.