Architects at Waterstudio, working in cooperation with Netherlands-based Dutch Docklands and the Government of The Maldives, believe they have found a modern, scalable, commercially-viable solution to the problem of rising sea levels.

Set in a warm-water lagoon 10 minutes by boat from the Maldivian capital of Male and Male International Airport, Maldives Floating City (MFC) is a first-of-its-kind “island city” which offers a revolutionary approach to modern sustainable living perched against a backdrop of the azure Indian Ocean.

It’s the world’s first true floating island city – a futuristic dreamscape finally poised to become reality. In development for more than a decade, MFC will feature thousands of residences. All waterfront, floating along a flexible, functional grid across a 200-hectare lagoon.

A statement on the Waterstudio website reads: “Inspired by traditional Maldivian sea-faring culture and developed in close cooperation with Maldivian authorities. MFC homes will eventually be joined by hotels, restaurants, stylish boutiques and a world-class marina. Maldives Floating City is the first of its kind across the globe – developed to equally embrace sustainability and livability.

“While attempts at floating cities have been tried before, none have featured MFC’s most compelling selling points: Full-scale technical, logistical and legal expertise. By partnering with the Government of the Maldives, MFC not only offers the most ambitious architectural planning available. But also a world-class ownership structure that is transparent, value-driven and legally binding.”