Tag Archives: underwater

The World’s Longest Immersed Tunnel Is Set To Connect Germany & Denmark In 2029

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Set to open in 2029, an impressive underwater road and rail tunnel is being constructed in Europe! Dubbed the Fehmarnbelt Tunnel, it will connect Germany and Denmark, crossing around an 11.2-mile stretch of the Baltic Sea. The Fehmarnbelt runner or the Fehmarn Belt fixed link is being constructed by Femern A/S, Rambøll, Arup, and TEC. It is set to be the world’s longest-immersed tunnel, and the world’s deepest-immersed tunnel with road and rail traffic. In these claims, it is important to focus on the ‘immersed’ bit, since there are longer undersea tunnels like the Channel Tunnel. But despite that, this is still a really exciting and extraordinary project!

Designer: Femern A/S, Rambøll, Arup and TEC

When the Fehmarnbelt Tunnel is completed, it will connect Rødbyhavn in Denmark and Fehmarn in Germany. It is set to be the shortest route between Scandinavia and the rest of Europe. People will have the option to take a seven-minute train journey or a ten-minute car drive across the Fehmarn Belt, instead of the forty-five-minute ferry. To build the expansive tunnel, 360,000 tonnes of rebar will be required, which is almost 50 times the weight of the Eiffel Tower’s metal structure. The site on the Danish section is the size of around 373 soccer pitches, and nearly 70 vessels were needed to dredge up the tunnel trench. As a whole, about 12 million cubic meters of soil was dredged up from the seabed.

As you can see the tunnel is truly something to reckon with, and it will include 79 standard and 10 special sections. The standard sections will weigh around 73,000 tonnes, with a length of 217 m, and a width of 42m, and a height of 10m. The special sections will be more compact and will be half the length of the standard sections. Although, the width and height will be a little more. The tunnel portions will be first cast on land and then floated into place with the help of a barge. After which they will be submerged, and firmly positioned on the seabed at a depth of 40m.

Such a mighty project will require a mighty budget to back it up. Currently, the budget for the Fehmarnbelt tunnel is around DKK8.4 billion or around US$1.2 billion. The first section of the tunnel was inaugurated by Denmark’s King Frederik X, and it will be sunk soon.

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These two new large underground parking facilities in Amsterdam are designed to accomodate 11,000 bikes

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The beautiful city of Amsterdam is known for its love of cycling, and almost everyone commutes almost all the time by bike. As fun and eco-friendly as cycling can be, parking your bicycles is a whole other issue, especially in a city as dynamic as Amsterdam. The city is known for being crowded with parked bikes, and the parking space never seems to be enough. In such an environment, the city of Amsterdam recently unveiled two massive bike parking spaces which are – underground!

Designer: Amsterdam City

Called ‘Stationsplein’ and ‘IJboulevard’, the two new stations are located next to Central Station, and can hold up to 11,000 bikes. This allows a lot of the space on the streets to be freed up. Stationsplein has been built under the Open Havenfront. It is a water body between the Prins Hendrikkade and the Stationseiland. The Stationsplein is currently the largest biking shed in Amsterdam, and it was opened to the public on January 28th, 2023. The garage can accommodate up to 7000 bikes and is well-connected to the Metro Hall, and the Amsterdam Central Station. On the other hand, the IJboulevard parking facility is located behind the Central Station, and it will open in February 2023.

These underwater bike sheds are truly a boon to the city of Amsterdam, as they are already providing plenty of ample parking space for the citizens. It allows pedestrians to park their bikes around the city’s main train station. It’s only been a couple of days since the first bike shed opened, but already the bike racks on the street look less cluttered, and the steady chunk of parked bicycles seems to have reduced. The area around the train station seems to be tidier and much more organized.

Larger pedestrian and bicycle paths have been built along with the two underground parking facilities. Streetcar stops and tracks have been replaced, and new underground cables and pipes have been added as well. “The opening of the new parking facilities marks the beginning of a new era, in which Amsterdam Central Station will be somewhat like it was around 1900. Accessible and pleasant, without cars and bicycles parked everywhere and nowhere. We are in good shape with the opening of the 2 new bicycle parking facilities, but we expect that there will be a greater need for bicycle parking spaces around the station. That is why we have already started preparations for even more parking spaces for bicycles,” said the Amsterdam representatives on the City’s official website.

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Alien-like underwater agricultural farms bring self-sustaining greenhouses to coastal communities

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Greenhouses are among the prettiest things you can see (well, if they’re done right). But there are places that having such places can be a challenge if water supply or weather is an issue. There are researchers trying to find solutions for these kinds of problems and so we’re seeing innovations when it comes to greenhouses and plant care. Those who live in coastal communities but are experiencing arid weather will definitely benefit from this latest agricultural farm innovation.

Designer: Sergio Gamberini

The project is called Nemo’s Garden and it is currently resting 15 feet below the water in a northwestern village called Noli in Italy. It is basically an underwater greenhouse and agricultural farm with giant plastic orbs and tubes with plants connected to the main structure. Each of these orbs can hold up to 528 gallons of air. The plants themselves grow in the tubes and they spiral up to the center. So what you get are alien-looking orbs with tentacles under the sea.

What’s great about these “gardens” is that they are self-sustaining and requires little maintenance. The sun is able to reach down into the structures under the ocean and bring them heat. The humid air is able to condense and then trickle down into the soil to “water” the plants inside the orb. This way, they have a water cycle within and all on their own so you don’t need a lot of water to get them started. This will benefit arid coastal communities that have a hard time making green things grow.

A report has shown that these underwater agricultural farms are also acting as artificial coral reef and so they are also attracting marine life. They didn’t say if there are harmful effects to the underwater eco-system but most likely if there are any, they should be minimal. They do look amazing and interesting to the human eye like they’re alien-like structures just bubbling underneath. It’s still in the experimental stage so we’ll have to wait if they will be able to replicate these in other coastal communities globally.

The post Alien-like underwater agricultural farms bring self-sustaining greenhouses to coastal communities first appeared on Yanko Design.

Researchers Develop Octopus Sucker Glove for Grasping Objects Underwater

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Researchers from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Virginia Tech (my alma mater!), led by Assistant Professor Michael Bartlett, have developed the Octa-Glove, a glove with octopus-like suckers on the fingers designed for firmly grasping objects underwater without requiring grip strength. That’s great news because my grip strength has always been lacking.


The glove features soft sucker-like membranes, which, when actuated, attach to objects much like an actual octopus’s tentacles without needing to apply any grip pressure. An array of micro-LIDAR optical proximity sensors detect just how far away an object is, and a microcontroller can activate or releases adhesion almost instantly. When reached for comment, Doctor Octopus says he wishes he’d thought of this.

The researchers envision the gloves being utilized in future underwater search and rescue missions, presumably rescuing mermaids from the evil grasp of Ursula. But will you be able to fight her organic suckers with robotic ones? Only time will tell, but I imagine Ariel is pretty worried about it.

[via TechEBlog]

Underwater Scooter lets you glide through water without actually swimming

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I am fascinated by sea creatures and would love nothing more than to go underwater and watch them, play with them, and take pics and videos of them. There’s one major problem though: I don’t know how to swim. Well I can do a few strokes but when I get out of my depth (literally), I panic and almost drown myself. But if there’s a device that can help me explore the ocean more without me drowning or taking months to learn how to swim properly, I’d be willing to try it.

Designer: KLW Design

This Underwater Scooter concept is especially created for people like me who love to be in the water but aren’t really that great at swimming (or even floating by themselves). What it basically does is make you go faster in the water without necessarily having to use your arms or feet or a speedboat or something. But for those who don’t know how to swim, it can also be a tool they can use to make the water experience better. Instead of using your feet as you normally would in a scooter, this time you place it in your hands and let it propel you through the water.

It uses a double propeller propulsion structure to, well, propel you through the water without expanding so much strength and effort. It actually looks like a drone or a miniature plane which is fitting since it lets you fly in the water anyway. The round and smooth shape of the device makes it more stable and flexible and also increases the speed as well as its endurance when being used. It is also built that way to reduce the resistance in the water. It takes on the energy you would normally expand when swimming on your own.

And since swimming or diving in the water almost always involves some encounters with sea creatures, the scooter also lets you take photos and videos while “riding” on it. You can install a Go Pro on the front bracket to document your experience. If you prefer just looking at them, you can also install a flashlight in case it’s too dark. I am actually not sure if I’ll be confident enough to swim or dive underwater using this scooter but at least it can help me move in the water.

The post Underwater Scooter lets you glide through water without actually swimming first appeared on Yanko Design.

First underwater restaurant in Europe brings you on a culinary journey under the sea

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Snohetta Under Underwater Restaurant in Norway Europe

Revenge travel is a concept that began last year in the middle of the pandemic as some economies started to open. With over a year of being cooped up at home, many people have vowed to go out and travel with a vengeance. It is a thing as we see these days, people of all ages and from all walks of life have started to enjoy traveling again.

We’re not saying it is entirely safe, but we somehow believe we’re already at the tail-end of the pandemic. We’re hoping for the best, so we can be free to go out without fear of contracting the dreaded virus. We can’t wait to travel not just in our own town but also to other countries. Sure, we can already do that, and if given a chance, we’d travel to Norway right away and head on to Lindesnes and see what the buzz is about this underwater restaurant that opened three years ago.

Designer: Snøhetta

Under - Europe’s First Underwater Restaurant

Aptly named “Under” for obvious reasons, this one-of-a-kind restaurant is something that can beat Krusty Krab. Of course, there’s really no such thing, but fans of the cartoon show will probably remember the fictional fast-food restaurant when they first learn about Under. We highly doubt burgers will be served though at Europe’s first underwater restaurant, but we’re looking forward to sumptuous meals while surrounded by naturally-abundant marine life.

Snohetta Under Underwater Restaurant in Norway Europe 10

Snohetta Under Underwater Restaurant in Norway Europe 9

This used to be such a dream, but we know there have been similar efforts in the past. This one aims to fully integrate the structure into a marine environment, and over time, we know it will happen, and there will be a generation that won’t notice it’s man-made. Designed by Norweigan architectural and design firm Snøhetta , the Under restaurant is made to provide an extraordinary experience to the diners and guests.

Under - Europe’s First Underwater Restaurant

Snøhetta Under Underwater Restaurant in Norway Europe

The teeming life underwater may not be aware of what’s been done, but eventually, the sea animals may also learn to live with it. Some are also expected to inhabit the concrete shell like an artificial reef where some marine life can find shelter. The structure itself comes with very thick concrete walls that can withstand both shock and pressure. It boasts a large eleven-meter-wide and 3.4-meter-tall horizontal window where diners can enjoy the beautiful panoramic view of the seabed. Even without those delectable meals, you can simply enjoy the view in different weather conditions and seasons.

Under - Europe’s First Underwater Restaurant

Under - Europe’s First Underwater Restaurant

“Under” is part of a 34-meter long monolithic form, from a surface breaking into the water to a seabed five meters below. With sea conditions changing from calm to stormy waters, the structure is built to last and withstand the test of time and the natural environment, especially since Lindesnes is popular for intense weather conditions. In contrast to the rough and rugged structure, the interior of the underwater restaurant offers some sense of regularity, rhythm, and order.

Under - Europe’s First Underwater Restaurant

Under - Europe’s First Underwater Restaurant

The ceiling panels are beautiful with the sunset-colored fabric you would be seeing as you go down the stairs into the restaurant. The woven panels offer a calm and serene look almost to the whole structure that is not intimidating. It’s cozy, elegant, and modern, especially as you descend and reach the foyer clad in beautiful oak, extending into the restaurant’s interior that welcomes guests warmly to their seats.

The dining room can comfortably accommodate 35 to 50 guests as they enjoy cuisine using locally sourced produce. The fine dining experience is made possible thanks to a 16-person kitchen team led by Head Chef Nicolai Ellitsgaard. The Danish chef and his expert team prepare meals that focus on sustainable wildlife capture. As a result, every dining experience can be unique and exciting because you’ll never know what is outside the vast window.

Snohetta Under Underwater Restaurant in Norway Europe

Snohetta Under Underwater Restaurant in Norway Europe

Snøhetta also worked with Harman, a local carpentry workshop, for an exclusive furniture series. The chair alone used in the restaurant is an object to behold because its continuous form may remind you of branches with the stems and angles. The structure is solid, just like the concrete shell but without compromising the beauty of nature. Each chair is made with traditional handicraft methods, so you know there is beauty in the rawness of the products.

Snohetta Under Underwater Restaurant in Norway Europe 5

Snohetta Under Underwater Restaurant in Norway Europe 5

Snohetta Under Underwater Restaurant in Norway Europe 6

Snohetta Under Underwater Restaurant in Norway Europe 7

Snohetta Under Underwater Restaurant in Norway Europe 8

The post First underwater restaurant in Europe brings you on a culinary journey under the sea first appeared on Yanko Design.

U-Boat Worx Nexus lets nine people experience a private undersea party

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Many people already imagine what it would be like to explore and even live on other planets, but some contend that we have barely scratched the surface in learning everything there is to learn about our own Earth. Underwater life, in particular, is almost just as alien to us as outer space while also teeming with unbelievable creatures and life-threatening dangers as well. Space tourism is slowly becoming a reality, especially with recent successful launches and voyages, but the barrier to entry there is still as high as the heavens. In contrast, diving deep into the seas is probably a bit more viable and possibly just as breathtaking, especially with a submarine that can take you and up to seven other people down to the depths in the safety of your own private bubble.

Designer: U-Boat Worx

OK, you probably won’t be sipping champagne in these tourist-centric submarines, even though that’s exactly the scenario that U-Boat Worx is trying to propose with its customizable submarines. The new Nexus submersible vehicle, in particular, can go down to a depth of 200 meters, which may already reach the seabed in some areas. Either way, it might not be a good idea to tempt fate with substances unless you want to be swimming with the fishes in an uncomfortable way.

Hopefully, you’ll be too busy enjoying the sights of underwater life anyway, which is the entire point of these submarines. Sitting inside what feels like a glass bowl (which would ironically put you in the fins of a goldfish), the U-Boat Worx Nexus lets you marvel at the wonders of the seas of the world with a nearly 360-degree view. You can turn your seat around to see what’s on the other side, though there will naturally be views that will be occluded by the machinery of the vehicle.

Unlike U-Boat’s more personal submarines, the Nexus is designed for group trips, accommodating up to nine people in total. That count is a bit confusing because it refers to the maximum seating occupancy inside. One seat is immediately reserved for the pilot, however, and there are two groups of six chairs for adults on either side. The eighth adult chair can be swapped out for two kid-sized seats, which is where that figures came from.

In addition to the increased capacity, the U-Boat Worx Nexus also offers improvements across the board, especially its ability to move laterally. It may sound trivial, but lateral movement can greatly improve the submersible’s maneuverability, dive efficiency, and object approach, which should translate to a better experience for passengers. And speaking of better experiences, the submarine also boasts of the largest diameter hatch of its kind, which should make it easier for untrained civilians to climb onboard. And if all else fails, there’s also an optional elevator available.

Whether submersibles are more economical ways to get to know our seas up close and personal is still up for debate. They may be cheaper than rocket launches, but it’s still a luxury that very few people can afford. It would also be nice if such vehicles could be used to make people more painfully aware of the damage that we have wrought upon our seas, but chances are, these underwater experiences are focused only on the good and beautiful sides of our waters, the parts that tourists will pay big bucks to see.

The post U-Boat Worx Nexus lets nine people experience a private undersea party first appeared on Yanko Design.

AT-AT Aquarium Looks Like Hoth After Global Warming

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When you think of AT-ATs, you think of these giant mechanical beasts stomping along the snowy surface of Hoth. But what would happen if the Empire’s war machines ran on fossil fuels and their CO2 emissions, resulting in a greenhouse effect? It might end up looking something like this aquarium scene created by Carly Thompson.

After receiving a model AT-AT as a Christmas gift, she decided to incorporate the Imperial Walker into a small fish tank. She says the scene was inspired by the Kashyyk level of Jedi Fallen Order, and Endor from Return of the Jedi. But to me, it looks like Hoth after the polar ice caps have melted, raising the sea levels, and flooding the land as surface temperatures increased above freezing. The AT-AT has definitely seen better days, now that it has moss growing out of it, but it sure makes a nice home for the red cherry shrimp and Ramshorn snails who have taken up residence here.

[via Reddit via MyModernMet and GeekNative]

A personalized submarine that makes easy ocean exploration a reality for millionaires!

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When it comes to underwater explorers, U-Boat Worx are the pros as they’ve been working in developing submersibles since 2005. After the success of the C-Researcher Series and Super Yacht Sub series, the Dutch company is going even stronger with the two-person NEMO Submersible which has claimed to be the lightest manned submarine on the planet. The design that’s capable of being towed behind a trailer or transported on a yacht is so intriguing that it has won the acclaimed Red Dot Concept Design Award 2020.

NEMO is lightweight too (for its category) at just 2,500 kg keeping in mind that it has to counter the pressure underwater to a maximum depth of 100 meters. Hydrodynamic form with 155 cm height of the submersible, along with the power to weight ratio, gives it an operational advantage – also making it highly practical for commercial applications. Having an operational time of up to eight hours makes it the perfect vessel for exploration or deep-sea missions to learn more about the underwater ecology. On the inside, it’s as comfortable as you would expect a deep dive vessel to be. The transparent hatch of NEMO gives access to the fully air-conditioned interiors that are embellished in modern-looking aesthetics. It comes with all the latest technology needed underwater including SONAR, manipulator arm, aircon, and wireless underwater communications.

The driving is done by the trained NEMO pilots who get a 12-day training before taking the submersible for a solo spin. And it comes with auto-heading and auto-depth features too. They can hand over the supervised control of the vessel to the fellow passenger who can drive it with the MANTA controller. If required the submersible can also be remotely actuated from a yacht or the shoreline with the Marlin controller. All this luxury and judicious use of technology comes at a steep price tag of USD 1.06 million, and once the market demand is met, NEMO will explore the depths of unknown waters with nature lovers aboard.

Designer: UBoat Worx

 

This Apple Watch accessory lets you use your smartwatch with earphones while swimming

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Keep the water out and the music in.

The Interval Swim Earphones from H2O Audio build on the Apple Watch’s ability to work underwater. Designed as an attachment/accessory to the watch, these bad boys strap around your head using your goggles (giving them a universal fit), and allow you to dock your Apple Watch right into them. They come with a pair of Bluetooth earphones too, that aside from preventing water from going into your ear, allow you to listen to music, podcasts, ebooks, motivational speeches, or feedback from your coach.

The Interval Swim Earphones come with an endorsement from avid-user and Olympic legend Michael Phelps too. They’re 100% waterproof, engineered to sound great underwater (with an increased bass response), and come with physical controls for adjusting the volume as well as for play/pausing your audio tracks. A variety of earhole tips allow you to get the most secure fit, so the earphones stay in place with a watertight fit while you’re swimming… and a companion MySwim app for the Apple Watch lets you log your laps and swimming progress too!

Designer: H2O Audio

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