An architect in Toulon has designed an artificial island for the city’s harbour that is believed to be inspired by Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah and The World Islands.
Le Figaro reports that unlike the artificial islands in Dubai, ‘Île de Provence’ will be a partly floating island that will span 300,000 square metres and will be exclusively devoted to nautical themes.
Architect Christophe Jatareu-Conte told the newspaper that the island, which is expected to take ten years to complete, will see a giant aquarium, shops, hotels and restaurants partially submerged and a diving centre, which will also include a marine research centre.
While Dubai’s islands have been built with sand, ‘Île de Provence’ will have a main building that will be pile-driven into the seabed and this will serve as a support for the remainder of the island.
While marine officials have given the green light to the development, it requires administrative approval to move to the next stage of planning and funding.