Hosts Phil Bowermaster and Stephen Gordon discuss high-concept future engineering projects

10-mile high skyscrapers. Is there any reason to build skyscrapers a mile high, much less 10 miles high? 

Under-Ocean Highways. We have talked about floating highways that extend across the oceans, and also about underwater cities and possibly underwater highways, but what about highways that run completely underground under the ocean? 

Airplane Cities. We have talked about the idea of airplanes large enough to serve as hotels, but how about a little bit bigger than that? Or maybe even a lot bigger? How about airplanes that are essentially flying cities? Could such large structures be built? 

Domed Underwater Cities. In addition to floating islands that become cities and that are joined ultimately buy floating highways that connect the continents across the oceans, how about cities located underwater? Cities covered with an enormous dome. There are a few challenges related to such cities.

(Related) Iceberg Houses Why not build houseboats -- or for that matter, entire building-boats -- to emulate icebergs? About 10% of the boat would be above the waterline, with the other 90% submerged. Such structures would be inherently stable and much roomier than standard boat designs. 

Treehouse Subdivisions. In another scenario we look at the idea of growing entire cities using highly genetically modified trees and other plants. But may be a good way to start such an ambitious plan would be simply to grow the suburbs of the city. And maybe the best way to start having trees serve as housing would be to start out with tree houses. 

WT 238-547