Six Flood-Proof Buildings That Can Survive Rising Tides (Part 1)

When it rains, it pours -- the past few months have seen a slew of floods around the world, and it's not even hurricane season yet. With increasingly unpredictable environmental conditions and the prevalence of flash floods and catastrophic storms, building safe and secure flood-proof structures is becoming even more vital. Not only do we have to worry about natural disasters like hurricanes and floods, but we will have to battle with rising sea levels, so designs for aqueous living should definitely be on the minds of architects world-wide. Read on for six innovative flood-proof designs that are able to weather the worst of the rising tides.

Flood Harvesting for New York City

Using the surging forces of the world's oceans and rivers to our advantage may be one way to beat back rising water levels. GRO Architects has envisioned a series of energy-generating floating houses that link together in modular docking stations. The aquatic houses would soak up the energy of tides and currents around New York City to generate power. Since the homes are placed directly on the water, they are automatically prepared for rising water levels and take advantage of the free renewable energy they supply. + Flood Harvesting for NYC

Make It Right Foundation Floating Houses

Celebrity super-star Brad Pitt and his Make It Right Foundation are doing good work to rebuild New Orleans after the hurricane -- their floating home in Lower Ninth Ward is ready just in case the city floods again. Designed by Morphosis Architects, the Float House has the ability to rise up on posts, disconnect itself from utilities and be self-sufficient for three days until the water recedes. + Make it Right Floating House.

NOAH: New Orleans Arcology Habitat

Designed for New Orleans, NOAH is a pyramid-shaped mixed-use complex for 40,000 people that is meant to survive all sorts of severe weather, including a flood. Designed to float in the event of rising water levels, NOAH, also includes a host of other sustainable features, including renewable energy, organic gardens, transportation and waste and water recycling.