Reducing water pollution through bio-filtration, this whale-shaped floating garden is designed to drift through the rivers of the world while purifying water. Designed by Vincent Callebaut, Physalia is a self-sufficient ecosystem that generates all the power it needs from the sun. The roof of the Physalia is covered in solar cells, while hydro turbines under the hull create energy from the flowing river.
The craft’s exterior features a layer of TiO2, which reacts with ultraviolet rays to clean the water. Additional water is pumped through the garden systems, which biologically filters out contaminants and pollutants. Inside there are four distinct thematic gardens named “Earth”, “Wind”, “Fire”, and “Water”.
Physalia was inspired by the “Physalia physalis” jellyfish, whose name translates roughly to “Water Bubble”. The 260 foot long (80 meters) project was created in response to the major global issue that one billion people don’t have access to drinking water. Although we do not know when or if Physalia will be built, we applaud Callebaut for his grand imagination and valiant effort.
