Ark Hotel, Changsha, China.
Ark project was designed by the Russian company Remistudio with the help of the International Union of Architects' Architecture program for disaster relief. The hotel shaped dome was built with wooden arches, of steel cables and a layer of self-cleaning plastic rather than glass. The hotel shook as the arch can be adapted to land and water. It is built to stay afloat in case of floods or flood waters. The 14,000 square feet of shell-shaped structure of arcs and cable distributes the weight evenly, which means it can withstand earthquakes. Natural light is filtered through local domestic grounds of the hotel see-through structure, reducing lighting needs.
Designed as an integrated energy with UPS to use alternative energy sources, the hotel uses solar panels and a system of rainwater harvesting to provide the people of power and water. It would be built around a central axis linking the wind turbines on the roof and heat pumps and storage facilities and conversion of energy is also below.There spiral thermal energy of a tornado at the top of the pillar.
All aboard the Ark Hotel! Giant biosphere is a 'self-contained haven' in event of climate change flood disaster
By Daily Mail Reporter
UPDATED: 11:38 GMT, 10 January 2011
It looks like a cross between Noah's Ark and something out of a 1970s science-fiction film.
The futuristic Ark Hotel has been designed to withstand floods caused by rising sea levels.
The floating behemoth is a 'biosphere' conceived as a safe, self-contained haven in case of disaster.
Boasting a green, self-sustaining environment for guests, the shell-shaped hotel would withstand tidal waves and other natural disasters.
Futuristic: The Ark Hotel has been designed to withstand floods caused by rising sea levels, boasts a green, self-sustaining environment for guests, and 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.
Biosphere: The design, which uses solar panels and a rainwater collection system to provide inhabitants with power and water, can be adapted to work on both land and water
At sea: The see-through structure allows enough daylight to be filtered through to reduce the need for lighting
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, 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.'
Eco-zone: The Ark has been designed by Russian firm Remistudio with the assistance of the International Union of Architects' program Architecture For Disaster Relief
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