Floating Urban Structures as a Response to Rising Waters – A Case Study of Bordeaux

As climate change accelerates and sea levels continue to rise, the vulnerability of coastal and riverine cities to flooding has become a critical urban planning challenge. This thesis explores the potential of floating urban structures as an adaptive and resilient solution to increasing hydrological risks, focusing on the city of Bordeaux as a case study. Through a multidisciplinary approach combining literature review, comparative case analysis, and policy evaluation, the research examines historical and contemporary examples of floating urbanism. The study analyses Bordeaux’s geographical vulnerability, climate projections, and current urban planning strategies to assess the feasibility of integrating floating infrastructures into its development framework. Legal, technical, and socio-economic barriers are discussed, along with opportunities for innovation and cohabitation with water. The final section proposes a preliminary design for a floating neighborhood in Bordeaux, highlighting key technical, regulatory, and social challenges, and evaluating its potential integration within the city's existing urban landscape.