Underwater Architecture
During the next few days we will showcase 5  proposals for sustainable underwater architecture. These projects were submitted for the Annual Skyscraper Competition from 2006 to 2009.

Project 1 of 5

Keith Dewey, Clayton Cowan, Robert Jakovina
Canada

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Gyre creates a new class of eco-tourism by bringing scientists and vacationers together to understand the least known environment of our planet.  As much as a skyscraper is an economical method of reducing footprint on land, Gyre goes a step further by juxtaposing those footprints to the ocean. Its unique design permits the simultaneous application of wind, solar and tidal energy generation technologies. Peaking at a depth of 400 meters, its ample space provides for a comfortable living and working environment, including areas for shops, restaurants, gardens, and recreation.

The center piece of the design features a double-hulled vortex with both hulls being clad in reinforced glass, where each floor levels are essentially a layering of concentric rings ranging is size from 30,000 square meters down to 600 square meters.  Inclinators riding along the structural ribs provide for vertical / diagonal transportation between floors. Gyre´s radial arms feature a pedestrian upper level and a transit system on the lower level to access to the outer protective barriers. The barriers create an inner harbor and a port of approximately 1.25 kilometer in diameter, accommodating the needs of the world’s largest ships.

In addition to using vertical axis wind turbines, electrical energy is also collected by solar means. Furthermore, underwater nacelle’s function both as tidal generators when the structure is anchored and as thrusters for propulsion when Gyre is under way.

The first two levels of the vortex are dedicated to circulation, community gatherings, restaurants, and commerce. Intermediate levels accommodate long-term residents, oceanic experts, hotel guests and crew members. The deepest levels are dedicated to a scientific observatory for oceanographic research.

Gyre is a structure that utilizes ocean currents and wind to navigate the oceans. Resort destination, transportation hub, scientific laboratory, Gyre expands the realm of architecture into an exciting and sustainable frontier.

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