Special Announcement: 5th ICAADE Conference

The 5th ICAADE conference is tentatively scheduled for November 2025 in Kerala, India. Stay tuned for more details!

The 5th International Conference on Amphibious Architecture, Design, and Engineering (ICAADE 2025) will be held in Ernakulam, Kerala, India, from November 3 to 5, 2025.

What is Amphibious Architecture?

Amphibious architecture is an innovative flood-resilient building strategy that enables structures to adapt dynamically to changing water levels. Unlike conventional flood mitigation approaches that rely on barriers, levees, or elevated foundations to resist flooding, amphibious architecture embraces water as an integral part of the built environment. These structures are designed to remain firmly grounded under normal conditions but have the ability to float temporarily when water levels rise, allowing them to adapt seamlessly to flood events.

At its core, amphibious construction involves a buoyant foundation system that allows buildings to rise and fall with floodwaters, maintaining their connection to the land while mitigating damage caused by inundation. This approach supports natural hydrological cycles rather than disrupting them, making it an environmentally sustainable and effective flood adaptation strategy.

Beyond Construction: Design, Engineering, and Policy

Amphibious architecture extends beyond structural design, incorporating land-use planning, site selection, and community resilience strategies. It plays a critical role in multiple-lines-of-defense systems, where water-adaptive buildings complement floodplain management and disaster preparedness efforts.

From an engineering perspective, amphibious infrastructure involves the integration of mechanical systems, utilities, and regulatory frameworks to ensure safety and performance. As this field grows, codification and certification standards are evolving to support widespread adoption, enabling governments and communities to implement amphibious solutions as a proactive flood risk mitigation strategy.

Amphibious architecture represents a paradigm shift in how we coexist with water, offering a sustainable, resilient, and adaptable alternative for flood-prone regions worldwide.

ICAADE 2025: Embracing Water-Resilient Futures

ICAADE 2025 aims to continue the tradition of bringing together a diverse group of practitioners, researchers, policymakers, students, NGOs, communities, and investors to exchange knowledge and practices related to amphibious and floating architecture. The conference will focus on multidisciplinary perspectives that address the challenges and opportunities at the intersection of water and land, promoting sustainable solutions for flood risk mitigation and climate change adaptation

Conference Highlights:

Renowned Keynote Speakers: Engage with internationally recognized architects, engineers, and thought leaders who are pioneering advancements in amphibious and floating architecture.
Comprehensive Program: Participate in a three-day event featuring various panel sessions, workshops, and interactive discussions designed to foster collaboration and innovation.
Networking Opportunities: Enjoy social events, including a welcome reception, conference dinner, and field trips, providing ample opportunities to connect with peers and industry experts.