Oceans make up two-thirds of the Earth’s surface and hence it makes sense when people talk about living on the ocean. The problem arises when the question of ‘how’ is asked. We have compiled a list of 10 ways marine real estate can be brought into life. Check out the list below and let us know what you think of these 10 structures.

9. Repurposed oil rigs

There are about 27,000 abandoned oil and gas rigs in the Gulf of Mexico only and visionaries such as Ku Yee Kee and Hor Sue-Wern are able to have their way, they would transform these oil rigs into living quarters. As per their plan, they want to reconstruct the oil rigs into structures that are self-sufficient and equipped with marine research stations and apartment complexes.

8. Seasteading

There are plans of setting up repurposed ocean liners that will serve as incubators for start-ups without worrying about laws and taxes. Peter Thiel and his Seasteading Institute plan to set up a base close to Silicon Valley where users can ‘peacefully test new ideas about how to live together’. Seasteaders plans on creating everything that is required for a new society to flourish.

7. Artificial islands

Although expensive, this is a feasible and viable option for coastal nations. The best example so far is that of Dubai. A number of artificial archipelagos have been constructed that are quite stunning and cater to the needs of tourists and contribute towards commercial sectors.

6. Advanced ocean liners

Freedom Ship, about four times bigger than Queen Marry, shall be serving as a floating city while sporting a luxurious living style. There will be 1.7 million square foot area available for residential and commercial occupancy.

5. Underwater sea resorts

By now you must be wondering that why are we limiting ourselves to just staying at the surface? There are ideas such as Hydropolis and Poseidon Mystery Island. Hydropolis is a more than $500 million project that is currently underway close to Dubai in Persian Gulf. Poseidon is a $200 million resort currently under development to be built close to Fiji.

4. Floating homes

Floating houses could be another option to go with. Rising sea levels are what makes it more worthwhile. Dutch designer Koen Olthuis’s company Waterstudio is already working on designing waterborne structures.

3. Sea towers

A sea tower can perform this task as well. The tower would be built from the ocean floor and shall extend way over the surface. The tower will cater to marine biologists, residents and tourists. Neptus 60 Cliff Habitat by Giancarlo Zema is one such structure. So far the design has been finalized and let’s see when it becomes a reality.

2. Modular floating cities

Floating cities is also a viable solution. Hong Kong already features a Boat City in Aberdeen Harbor. We are foreseeing modular and self-sustaining ocean habitats being built in the near future. Open Sailing model has been designed by Cesar Harada and is a good example. It is environmentally friendly and floats.

1. Floating Ecopolis

The most amazing possibility of all is the floating Ecopolis. It is also known as Lilypad by the Belgian architect Vincent Callebaut. It was designed for the Oceans 2008 conference to meet four specific environmental challenges; climate change, lack of fresh water, health and biodiversity. It can house a total of 50,000 people and floats. It would provide more energy than it consumes.