# Striking Submersibles Aqua Compact Watercraft Ready to Dive in Future Underwater Cities By Alexandra Choli | Published 2009-02-12 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/striking-submersibles-aqua-compact-watercraft-ready-to-dive-in-future-under References: [images.businessweek](http://images.businessweek.com/ss/08/07/0717_idea_winners/172.htm) & [diseno-art](http://www.diseno-art.com/encyclopedia/vehicles/watercraft/sport_submersibles/AQUA_submersible.html) With ocean water levels rising, the idea of undersea colonization is gaining ground as an attractive and plausible solution for our uncertain future. With such thoughts in mind, two visionary students from the [University of Seoul](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/watermapping-autonomous-boats) in South Korea developed the [Aqua](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hoverair-aqua-drone) concept, a sporty one-manned watercraft capable of surfing the waters as well as diving deep beneath them. The capsule-shaped submersible exhibits a cool hydrodynamic design and a futuristic interior with an accommodating sliding seat and twin joystick controls for effortless navigation. Propelled by electricity, the eco-friendly submarine features a main engine duct for thrust at the rear and twin small engine ducts on the side for steering. Design considerations include buoyancy control, oxygen supply and water pressure protection for the pilot. Winner of the IDEA Design Awards for 2008, Aqua is a striking transportation vehicle for the future, although I can think of many keen for marine exploration who would dream to take it for a drive today--including myself, obviously. Designers: [Sungchul Yang](http://www.coroflot.com/public/individual_set.asp?individual_id=160546&set_id=158265), Woonghee Han ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.4/10 - Popularity: 84% | Activity: 69% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 90% men, 10% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Underwater Colonization:** The rising ocean levels and uncertain future make undersea colonization an attractive and plausible solution. - **Eco-friendly Submersibles:** The development of eco-friendly submarines offers disruptive innovation opportunities in transportation and tourism. - **Hydrodynamic Design:** The use of hydrodynamic design elements in submersibles is a trend that is gaining popularity in the marine industry. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Marine Transportation:** The submarine can disrupt the marine transportation industry by offering an eco-friendly mode of transport. - **Tourism:** The development of eco-friendly submersibles can cause disruptions in the tourism sector by offering innovative and immersive experiences. - **Marine Exploration:** The use of hydrodynamic design elements for submersibles can provide opportunities for innovative marine exploration. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Water-Ready Sports Car Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/citron-above-and-under.md) - [Compact Luxury Submersibles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hightech-submersible.md) - [Intuitive Underwater Scuba Scooters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/surando-underwater-scooter.md) - [Supercar-Inspired Submersibles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/uboat-worx-super-sub.md) - [Arm-Attached Underwater Scooters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/underwater-scooters.md) - [Autonomous Amphibious Vehicle Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crosser-v1.md) - [Tourism-Focused Electric Submersibles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/electric-submersible.md) - [Compact Underwater Scooters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/asiwo-u1.md) - [Futuristic User-Centric Travel Solutions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-volvo-space.md)