One of the newest floating islands is a complex proposed by the Shimzu corporation. This completely self sufficient floating ecotopia that is covered in vegetation, generates its own power, grows food, manages waste, and provides clean water.

Read more: Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal Hopes to Ward Off Oil with Fake Islands | Inhabitat - Green Design Will Save the World

Probably one of the most bold island development proposals I have seen in a long time a group of architects from the Netherlands have proposed a crazy idea to take all the plastic floating in the Pacific Ocean and recycle it into a floating island the size of Hawaii.

Climate refugees would be able to move there and live in recycled plastic homes, and work on farms or grow seaweed. The entire island would be totally self-sufficient once built, producing its own food and energy, and managing waste. While totally off the wall, this is an intriguing concept that gets our imaginations in motion about what we can do with that ginormous mass of plastic floating around in the ocean.  

For more information on this proposal visit Inhabitat.

The billionaire entrepreneur, recently ranked the world’s 212th richest man, gave the Oprah Winfrey Show unprecedented access to Necker, his 74-acre Caribbean island.  He gave presenter Nate Berkus a tour of his home, which he has recently finished building, his cliff top guest house and his extravagant toys.

The submarine uses its wings to create downward lift underwater and is fitted with scuba gear for its pilot and two passengers. 

‘It’s like an airplane that flies underwater, a little fighter plane,’ Branson said.

And he allowed cameras to shoot as he went for his first ride on the Nymph, describing the experience as ‘brilliant’ through microphones fitted on his scuba gear
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1266111/Sir-Richard-Branson-takes-spin-new-underwater-plane-gives-sneak-peek-inside-Necker-Island.html?ITO=1490#ixzz0lSstvcdO

Touted as a self-sufficent floating city, Sarly Adre Bin Sarkum’s Water Scraper utilizes a variety of green technologies. It generates its own electricity using wave wind, and solar power and it produces its own food through farming, aquaculture, and hydroponic techniques. The surface of the submerged skyscraper sustains a small forest, while the lower levels contain spaces for its inhabitants to live and work. The building is kept upright using a system of ballasts aided by a set of squid-like tentacles that generate kinetic energy.

The architects “envision a future where land as a resource will be scarce; it is only natural progression that we create our own. Approximately 71% of the Earth’s surface is ocean, even more if climate change has its way, hence it is only natural progression that we will populate the seas someday.”

Source: Inhabitat.

Underwater floating sky scraper

Selling for just $9.95 US these BPA free portable water bottles are made from recycled plastic and include a carbon filter which can produce 150 litres of drinking water, which is the equivalent of 250 bottles of water. Replacement filters cost just $7.00.

To purchase your own Water Bobble visit your local backpacking or “green” store or visit the Water Bobble website.

Branson’s Virgin Group will be offering rides in the winged submarine called the Necker Nymph at his exclusive private island Necker Island. For now rides are limited to relatively shallow depths with the vehicle offers open views as you ‘fly’ through the ocean.

Wings on the carbon fiber submarine operate in much the same way as wings on an airplane allowing it to dive, turn and rise again to the surface. The 15 foot submarine is built by Hawkes Ocean Technologies and cost $660,000 to build.

A week of crusising in Bransons submarine costs $113,000 which inlcudes a week long stay at Necker Island. Ever pushing the envelope a deep sea sub is in the works capable of diving down to 35,000 feet beneath the surface.

For more information visit Wired.com

Global warming and ever increasing population growth has resulted in a virtual army of scientist, engineers and architects planning for a future where land is increasingly scarce.  One of the more popular concepts that has begun to emerge as a solution to this problem is to take advantage of the planets expansive Oceans.

One think tank that calls themselves The Venus Project has unveiled a series of advanced Ocean cities that could potentially house millions of people. Many of these cities may serve as oceanographic universities that maintain the ecological balance of marine systems. Constructed in ports around the world, after construction, these structures could be towed to various locations, then anchored to the ocean floor.

It truly seems like there is a future ahead of us where millions of humans will be living on remote private islands. For more information on their projects visit The Venus Project

I have noticed that while land based modular homes are becoming evermore popular, floating homes are also becoming increasingly popular with island owners. These floating homes allow island owners to maximize the use of their island while  allowing them to live on the water. One concept that recently captured my attention is the Jelly Fish.

Arguably the most ambitious floating home yet conceived. This as yet built home would stand 33 feet high and 45 feet wide, and blow the standard houseboat out of the water. The highlight of the Jelly-Fish is its submerged lower deck for dining, drinking and viewing ocean life. A spiral staircase joins the five stories of the floating habitat and ample windows accommodate views in all directions from all levels. At 2.5 M this home is not cheap, however I can only imagine how stunning it would look moored off an a beautiful caribbean island.