As envisioned by the Italian architectural firm Giancarlo Zema Design Group (GZDG), Amphibious 1000 is a US$500 million semi-submerged resort project planned for a protected marine area on the coast of Qatar. Reflecting its name, the resort is like a large aquatic creature stretching out into the sea. Divided into two sections of land and sea, the project includes residential buildings, offices, a central marine park, floating walkways and underwater marine galleries that all form a semi-circle around the central tower, which hosts a panoramic restaurant.
The elaborate sea section features four semi-submerged hotels resembling anchored super-yachts. Each hotel includes 75 luxury suites positioned around the perimeter of the building, with access to private terraces. Underwater passageways with views of the central marine park connect the hotel rooms and provide access to the activities zones. The resort's main lobby is centralized around an interactive sea life museum featuring water exhibitions galleries, large aquariums, and a glass passageway leading to the underwater observatory.
If you are tired of walking around the maze of floating walkways, electric vehicles can transport guests throughout the resort's facilities. You might also like to jump on board one of the 20-meter (65.6-foot) aluminum yachts, equipped with hydrogen engines and underwater viewing globes.
The resort also hosts 80 floating suites called "Jelly-fish," which feature underwater viewing decks looking out upon an artificial reef bed. These anchored hotel suites can accommodate up to six guests and feature five levels connected by a spiral staircase. A relaxation room sits at the very top of the suite at 5.6 meters (18.3 ft) above sea level. At 3.5 meters (11.5 ft) above sea level you will find the sleeping quarters and bathrooms, and at 1.4 meters (4.6 ft) the area is dedicated to daytime use with a kitchen and bathroom. Heading below deck and semi-submerged at 0.8 meters (2.6 ft) above sea level you will find further guest rooms and bathrooms. Whilst on the lowest level, at 3.00 meters (9.8 ft) below sea level, guests can enjoy their very own private aquarium lounge.
"Aware of the impact that human intervention has always evoked the environment, [our] architecture is distinguished by the intent to conquer new spaces for living in harmony with nature" GZDG told Gizmag.
The Giancarlo Zema Design Group is based in Rome, Italy and specializes in the architectural design of semi-submerged structures, houseboats and yachts.
