In a unique design, Toronto based designer- Hadi Salman has come up with idea of Sea Pearl, an innovative artificial coral reef science centre. It is planned to set up in the Middle Eastern part on the Dubai waterfront.
The site has been selected for its already established water based structures like the Lilypad Floating City, the Palm Islands and The World which is in fact a cluster of 300 islands and synonymous to man-made archipelago.
Besides these, there are several other ambitious water based constructions like the Hydropolis Underwater Hotel and The Universe which is another assembly of artificial islands shaped like bodies of solar systems. Amongst these structures, the Sea Pearl will find conducive environment to be used to its full potential.
The Sea Pearl would go well with the luxurious nature of surrounding structures that aim to provide a water based way for people to relax. Keeping up with the idea, this centre would also allow its visitors to enjoy the beauty of the local areas surrounding it.
The catch, however, is that the while at it, this centre would also provide a means for people to view the current ways of production and use of renewable energy and act as a sea-based observatory. As such, it would be a good idea to mix leisure with environmental responsibility that is borne by every individual at present.
The idea of the Sea pearl was proposed by Hadi Salman who is also a technical and scientific illustrator. He came up with this idea as a part of his bachelor’s thesis project at the Shreidan College Scientific/Technical Illustration.
This idea earned Salman the Xerox Award of Excellence and a base for a novel concept of the future that could serve environmental and recreational purposes.
Even though the idea seems to lack the breakthrough that other ideas in the past have promised, the simplicity of this design is its biggest forte. To begin with, this idea can be incorporated in the present, at any location to harness the natural beauty and utility of a water front without hampering with the natural life.
The glass paneled roof and the shell like façade would help the Sea Pearl to harness to solar energy, not adding any unwanted wastes to the water. And the transparent roof would mean the tourists would be able to enjoy a panoramic view of the waters and the sky-together. There will be wind turbines to harness the energy of waves and the winds in the water body to generate power for the centre.
The highlight would be the clear material made tunnels that would pass under the water and allow tourists to walk through them, under the water and see marine life up, close and personal. But the thing to look for the most in this design would be underwater structure that would serve as base for the research centre.
This structure would not only support the Sea Pearl’s above water parts but will also be a place for marine enthusiasts to be able to make use of their knowledge and carry out researches. The designer hopes to able to spike interest in the local people for such energy sources with introduction of this centre.
The Sea Pearl is an idea that combines environmental responsibility with fun like no other design does. It looks simple but holds a vast potential. However, it is for time to reveal what comes from the seemingly simple design of an artificial coral reef research centre in middle of water.
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