Global warming has led to rising sea levels, and at the same time, years of excessive groundwater extraction have caused the ground beneath Venice to sink. Surrounded by water on all sides, the “City of Water” is now at risk of being submerged. The sea salt in the water is also steadily corroding its buildings and historical landmarks. Embracing the design concept of “restoration and continuity,” With the design philosophy of “restoration and continuity,” we strive to reconcile the conflict between urban culture and environmental change—so that Venice will not be lost beneath the sea.
Our research and design proposal, Water City Venice 2.0, aims to safeguard the city’s cultural heritage, community structure, and local lifestyles even in the face of the unpredictable crises brought by rising sea levels. Through on-site studies, we closely examined the daily habits, mobility patterns, architectural typologies, and water-based geographical features of local residents. Taking into account the city’s water-oriented culture and atmosphere, we proposed an innovative modular system of “mobile” spatial units. These units can grow, connect, and expand infinitely in three dimensions, while flexible mechanical lifting devices effectively respond to urban flooding and rising water levels, enabling residents to maintain autonomous and stable lives. The system ensures that residential architecture and communities can adapt to climate change, sustain normal social functions, and enhance the city’s resilience for survival.
