In the 2020s, urban growth through floating structures—including residential, commercial, and recreational buildings, as well as energy facilities like floating solar PV systems—has gained support from UN-Habitat and various national governments. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change is exploring floating structures as an experimental strategy for climate adaptation, shifting parts of urbanization to aquatic surfaces. These structures enable urban growth with typically much lower environmental impacts compared to land reclamation and are resilient to sea-level rise.

Historically, the large-scale use of energy-intensive materials, such as concrete and steel, combined with industrial-scale land reclamation initially enabled by steam pumps, made possible through the Industrial Revolution, dominated Western terra-centric urbanization from the 19th century and Asian urbanization from the 20th century, marginalizing water-based construction. The association of floating structures like house boats with the counterculture of the 1960s added to this marginalization. Corresponding developments in legal systems, political frameworks, urban planning, and university curricula further embedded this terra-centric mindset globally. However, the advent of high-tech floating designs in the early 21st century has revitalized interest in floating solutions.

The lecture will examine recent advancements in floating structures, focusing on urban waterfronts and water reservoirs in Asian and European cities. It will explore the opportunities and challenges in sustainable urban planning, including adaptation to sea-level rise, solutions to urban sinking, and the redevelopment of former ports and other areas. The discussion will also address the often-limited social acceptance due to historical factors and conclude with reflections regarding Singapore, Jakarta, and Busan.