Algae Land

Narrative developed during the Ocean Future Lab, visualized by Sebastian Esposito

The scene takes place on the Soho Islands in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. The islands will probably still belong to Portugal in 2050. Two people meet there: Georgina is an architect (40 years old) and one of the world’s first known sustainability architects, and Arnold, a 48-year-old business developer and entrepreneur. As he is very successful economically, he invests in real estate and digital green businesses. They hit it off right away and want to realize new living models together. Their idea is based on Zero Waste and Circular Economy approaches, meaning that only recycled materials or renewable resources will be used in their new building project – Algae Land. The focus is on interconnected, neighborhood-oriented living and working units floating on water.

Due to climate change, the floating modules are preferred to be inhabited rather than corresponding housing units on land.  On the one hand, life can be arranged individually, on the other hand, each resident engages in the neighborhood and lives in harmony with the environment.

The natural environmental conditions are respected and the economy is based on regenerative models. Mass production of algae serves as energy supply. Care is taken to ensure that there is no waste of energy, but that energy consumption is as low as possible. Thus, the sea can be cleaned, food sourcescan be provided. Energy is generated with the algae, even for heating algae energy is used. In addition, Algae Land has fish aquacultures as well as algae aquacultures.

The focus is on lifelong learning. Every visitor can become knowledgeable how to work with algae, what can be produced from them and how they can be of supply for different things. Thus, a new learning community is created. It has been agreed that all residents will have a good knowledge not only of the importance but also of the methods used to treat algae. Therefore, they invest 10 hours per week to get to know how to innovate and develop them. There are diverse industries that deal with algae, such as food, clothing, building materials, bio-plastics, etc. 

Algae Land is a new model for solidarity and regenerative economy, many people travel there to be inspired.