Dubai—Here's a little glimpse into the future, courtesy of Vincent Callebaut Architecture in Paris. Since the city of Dubai has pushed the envelope already in so many areas of design and construction, some are trying to take it one step further. Because of the ever-alarming issue of rising sea levels, many are now considering what once might have been dubbed impossible—building on water.

Callebaut's theory is the "Lilypad" concept, which would create self-sufficient floating cities in Dubai, Untied Arab Emirates. They would generate power from the sun, wind, and water and produce zero emissions. These "ecopolis," as he calls them, can accommodate 50,000 inhabitants, centered around an artificial lagoon that collects and purifies rain water. The entire project is based on three marinas and three mountains, all covered by a stratum of suspended gardens that are crossed by a network of streets and alleyways. The goal is to create a harmonious relationship between humanity and nature. The structure itself was inspired by a blown out version of the highly ribbed water lilypad leaf of the Amazon, which produces more energy than it consumes. Expected completion date? Callebaut predicts close to 2100.