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Floating Houses for Flood-Prone Areas

Posted by: Nate Berg

10 October 2009 - 9:00am

As the city of New Orleans rebuilds its flooded and destroyed neighborhoods, a new design from architect Thom Mayne seeks to counteract the flood-prone area by simply floating.

The design includes a foam-based foundation surrounded by concrete that becomes bouyant in water.

"'What does that do? It produces a raft; it floats,' Mayne says. 'And it's thought about as a seat belt. I mean, hopefully it never gets used. But when it gets used, it's important.'

The house is anchored to the ground by two vertical guideposts. At times of flooding, the house moves up the guideposts — up to 12 feet — to prevent it from drifting."

Full Story: In New Orleans, Home Floats To Withstand Floods
Source: NPR, October 5, 2009
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"It's so out of control," said Duany, referring to the current state of public participation in planning decisions in the United States. "It's an absolute orgy of public process… basically, we can't get anything done."
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