Concept by uau studio
(former UOOU Studio)
[Material prepared from the studio's author's description]
Rising sea levels, which will threaten 1 billion people and more than 150 major cities by 2050, are challenging the world to develop sustainable and scalable solutions on water. The uau studio responded to this challenge by designing HyperCay, a modern, modular hotel island that transcends traditional notions of luxury on the water.
from the MORPHotel concept to the innovative HyperCay
It all started several years ago with the MORPHotel project, which aimed to create a new experience of staying in a luxury hotel. The project received a lot of international recognition, gaining media attention.
Visualization of the hotel.—The central segments contain common spaces and amenities.
© uau studio
structure responsive to environmental conditions
A team of specialists joined forces, combining expertise in strategy, design, innovation and business development to further develop the vision. The result of this second design phase is HyperCay, "more than an island " - a modular floating structure based on interconnected "segments" that form a flexible spine-like structure. The central segments contain common spaces and amenities such as restaurants, bars, spas, lobbies, and a movie theater. The apartments are mobile and can move independently over short to medium distances.
Side view of the sea
© uau studio
more than a cruise—a sustainable journey
With this in mind, the team developed HyperCay , an innovative concept for sustainable sea travel that aims to push the boundaries of self-sustainable communities on the water and develop key technologies capable of solving global challenges. The project is a combination of luxury hotels and cruise ships, where rooms resemble yachts, allowing guests to freely explore their surroundings while the main structure slowly traverses the sea.
A view of the modern building on the water at night
© uau studio
mobility of apartments—new opportunities for tourists
The building's spine-like structure, thanks to HC hydraulic pistons, is capable of changing shape to adapt to environmental and climatic conditions and to navigate narrow channels.
Projection
© uau studio
apartment mobility—new opportunities for tourists
Unlike traditional cruises, where passengers must join and disembark at specific points, on HyperCay passengers can enter at any point along the route, which is constantly changing. Central modules will provide space and amenities for guests to dine, enjoy entertainment and network, while private moving capsules will give guests the opportunity to explore the surrounding environment.
Interior view—The central modules will provide space and amenities for guests to dine, enjoy entertainment and network.
© uau studio
self-sustaining ecosystem—collaboration with local communities
HC can be considered a self-sustaining artificial ecosystem powered by renewable energy, with a mangrove garden at its center: a nursery for animals and plants. All aspects of HyperCay work with local communities to support the environment and the local economy.
Aerial visualization—The building resembles a spine in shape.
© uau studio
sustainable solutions on the water in the face of the climate crisis
In the face of rising sea levels, architecture can play a key role in adapting to global climate change. Projects like HyperCay offer innovative, self-sustainable solutions that combine advanced technology with an eco-friendly approach. Such floating structures can help build resilient communities that not only survive, but thrive in changing environmental conditions. Architecture on water is the future that addresses the world's most pressing challenges.
Elaborated: Natalia Ledzianowska
Illustrations provided courtesy of uau studio
