“Universal Block Floating System” for Ocean Space Utilization Including Architectural Applications

Abstract The Universal Block Floating System (UBFS) is a system developed for simple construction of floating platform for various applications on water, such as floating architecture and water-based recreation. The UBFS will make it possible to experience activities on water quickly and easily. This paper presents the results of the verification for the construction system by demonstration tests conducted over the past two years and future developments in the use of this technology on water. In June 2023, the first full-scale verification tests for floating architecture using the UBFS on water was conducted in Lake Hamana (Shizuoka, Japan). In addition to the verification tests of building, towing, and disassembling the floating structure, the facility was used as trial applications of floating architecture using the UBFS where visitors could experience the activity on the actual floating architecture, as a place to enjoy meals on the lake, and as a pier for sightseeing boats. A survey by questionnaire was conducted on swaying experience and floating facility needs, and measurements were taken of wave height and of the response of the floating structure. The research shows the relationship between the response of people to sway and the measurement data of sway, and expectations for the floating architecture.