Lilypad

Ready to save humanity from the rising tides of global warming, the French-Belgian architect Vincent Callebaut is floating, so to speak, a proposal for a new habitat for people who will be displaced when their coastal homes become submerged. Called "Lilypad," the concept is for a seabound "écopolis" that would accommodate 50,000 people. It would provide fresh water from recycled rain water and would feature three marinas and three mountains, the latter designed to accommodate offices, stores, and homes. The entire island would produce more energy than it consumes without emitting carbon dioxide, with the entire supply provided by an assortment of renewable sources. Its construction of polyester fiber would feature a layer of titanium dioxide in order to absorb atmospheric pollution by what the architect describes as a "photocatalytic effect."

As far as utopic visions go, it beats earlier concepts of personal aircraft whizzing among skyscrapers on distant planets.