We’ve featured Vincent Callebaut’s visionary green designs before and we are happy to highlight his current muse Lilypads.

Callebaut claims inspiration for his half aquatic, half terrestrial cities from the giant lilypads of the Amazonia Victoria Region and predictions of rising sea levels due to global warming, though perhaps some real life inspiration could equally have come from the floating markets of Kashmir or the gliding villages on the Tonle Sap, Cambodia.

In any case, I’m a little in love with the idea of seasons determined by the pull of oceanic currents.

“Architect Vincent Callebaut’s latest project uses green technologies and systems that are more than just examples of sustainable design; the structure actually improves the environment just by sitting there.

Callebaut’s prototype project, being built in Paris, is covered with 250 square meters of solar photovoltaic panels and coated in titanium dioxide (TiO2). The PV system produces electrical energy for the building, with the TiO2 coating working as a catalytic system to clean the air. The TiO2 works with ultraviolet radiation to interact with particulates in the air, break down organics and reduce airborn pollutants and contaminants.”

Read more at green geek or Callebaut’s site.