The Baobab Waterfall is a conceptual floating infrastructure project developed by Ahmad Eghtesad in collaboration with Mohammad Aghaei and Nastaran Fazeli. Created as an entry for the Jacques Rougerie Foundation competition, the proposal is positioned off the coast of Madagascar and draws formal inspiration from the baobab tree.
The structure is designed to operate as a large-scale deep-ocean waterfall system that redirects seawater through the facility to generate renewable electricity. Transparent greenhouse spaces are integrated into the central tower, combining energy production with agricultural cultivation within a single marine structure.
The project also incorporates social and civic functions through an initial rehabilitation center program intended to address challenges associated with overcrowded correctional facilities. Digital visualizations for the proposal were produced using Autodesk 3ds Max, Rhinoceros 3D, Grasshopper, and V-Ray.
Floating Energy Hubs
Baobab Waterfall Has Renewable Energy Generation with Agricultural Facilities
Trend Themes
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Floating Energy Hubs — Marine-based infrastructure that combines seawater-driven power generation with civic and productive uses signals new models for resilient offshore urban development.
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Agri-energy Architecture — Integrated greenhouse and renewable energy systems create opportunities for self-sustaining structures that support food production in resource-constrained coastal regions.
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Civic Climate Infrastructure — Hybrid facilities blending rehabilitation, agriculture, and clean power reflect a shift toward public infrastructure that addresses social, environmental, and energy challenges together.
Industry Implications
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Renewable Energy — Deep-ocean waterfall concepts expand the renewable energy landscape by exploring large-scale marine generation beyond conventional offshore wind and tidal systems.
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Sustainable Agriculture — Transparent offshore greenhouses introduce new possibilities for climate-controlled cultivation in locations where land scarcity, soil degradation, or coastal density limit traditional farming.
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Architecture and Design — Parametric visualization and biomimetic forms are reshaping conceptual infrastructure design by enabling complex floating structures inspired by natural systems.