The Physalia: Appears to be straight out of Pandora, but it’s actually on planet Earth (and purifying water near you).

Before I go any further, just look at this picture:



Yep. It’s that seriously awesome looking. What is it? A floating garden called a “Physalia.” (Loosely translated from Greek it means “water bubble,” which makes a whole lot of sense.)



According to the post:

A half aquatic and half earthly amphibious vessel, it's a nomadic hydrodynamic laboratory dedicated to implement an international network of scientific partnerships. A floating purification system that is completely self-sufficient.

The vessel is designed to handle all types of water recycling (rainwater, international and domestic), purify water from agricultural pollutants, desalinate sea water, and cleanse induced waste such as sludge and ashes.

Sounds like a great plan to me, especially considering the fact that “more than one out of six people lack access to safe drinking water… and more than two out of six lack adequate sanitation. 3900 children die every day from water borne diseases (WHO 2004).” (World Water Council)



As transportation, it promotes commercial and fluvial transport, linking the Rhine and the Danube and the Seine-Escaut waterway. It can be used as agricultural irrigation, to cool industrial power stations and to promote hydro-electricity production.



Its architecture is designed to utilize renewable energies and produces more energy than it consumes.

Seriously? This thing is amazing! It’s the ultimate combo of beauty, brains and eco-brawns. Aside from all these things, I think what I like most about the Physalia is what it stands for: a future that is better than what we have now and a desire to educate and protect. Come to think of it, that sounds a lot like what Avatar was trying to get across… And does the Physalia not look like the Na’vi should be riding a top of it? At least I think it does.

The architect who designed this thing, Vincent Callebaut, deserves some major, major accolades. I applaud his vision and concept. And I applaud If It’s Hip, It’s Here, too, for sharing this outrageously cool story on their site. Give them both some love, folks. Check out their websites and let them know that you appreciate the work they do.

Want more images? You got it:

All photos and story information is credited to If It’s Hip, It’s Here.