Special Announcement: 5th ICAADE Conference
The 5th ICAADE conference is tentatively scheduled for November 2025 in Kerala, India. Stay tuned for more details!
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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. 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.
Amphibious and floating architecture both offer innovative ways to adapt to fluctuating water levels, but they differ in their relationship to land and water. Floating architecture includes individual buildings and larger settlements on shores and lakes that are permanently floating on the water surface, independent of the ground beneath. In contrast, amphibious architecture rests on land under normal conditions but can float temporarily when flooded, enabled by buoyant foundations and vertical guidance systems. This dual state allows amphibious structures to maintain a strong connection to the ground while still being adaptable to flooding, making them particularly relevant in areas with seasonal or unpredictable inundation.
Unlike conventional flood mitigation approaches that rely on barriers, levees, or elevated foundations to resist flooding, amphibious and floating architecture embraces water as an integral part of the built environment.
ICAADE 2025
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.
It also aims to explore what it takes to move from innovation to implementation at scale. By examining real-world projects, lived experiences, and emerging technologies, ICAADE 2025 will foster dialogue on how regulatory frameworks, financial models, and collaborative design can support the broader adoption of amphibious and floating solutions. In doing so, the conference seeks to shape a future where communities are not only resilient to climate risks, but are actively and sustainably staying afloat.
While ICAADE 2025 includes floating architecture as an important element—especially where the technical, social, and regulatory challenges overlap—it places a stronger emphasis on the unique potential and complexity of amphibious architecture. Floating conditions common to both types—such as anchoring systems, access, infrastructure, and living quality—will be studied in parallel. However, the conference aims to shine a brighter light on the amphibious context: what we still need to learn, develop, and regulate to make it a viable and scalable solution in flood-prone, resource-constrained, or culturally rooted environments.
ICAADE 2025, set in Kerala—a region where communities have always lived with water—offers a unique context to root these global conversations in local realities. Staying Afloat is not only about survival, but about finding ways to thrive.
Theme: “Staying Afloat”
The theme “Staying Afloat” speaks to both the literal and metaphorical challenges of living with water in an era of climate uncertainty. It reflects the core focus of ICAADE 2025—to explore how amphibious and floating architecture can offer resilient, adaptive solutions for communities worldwide. This theme invites dialogue on what we have learned from current and past projects, and what is still needed to bring amphibious and floating solutions to scale. It challenges us to look critically at barriers and opportunities—from technical innovations and community engagement to financial models and regulatory frameworks.
How and when will staying afloat become an option for everyone?
This question lies at the heart of the conversations we aim to foster—bringing together innovation, equity, and urgency to imagine a future where staying afloat is not a luxury, but a right.
Global Amphibious Policy Symposium (GAPS)
We are excited to host a dedicated Global Amphibious Policy Symposium (GAPS) as part of ICAADE 2025 in Kerala. This session continues the momentum from previous editions, focusing on the policies, codes, and regulatory frameworks that shape the future of amphibious and floating architecture.
Despite proven potential, amphibious buildings are not yet mainstream. Challenges with building codes, permitting, insurance, and governance hold back wider adoption. Even as technical knowledge grows, a lack of institutional frameworks limits impact. As part of the regulatory exploration, a dedicated Global Amphibious Policy Symposium (GAPS session) will focus on the missing links in governance, policy, and standards. It aims to foster international discussion on how regulations can evolve to support safe, inclusive, and sustainable amphibious and floating developments.
GAPS 2025 brings together researchers, practitioners, policy experts, community leaders, decision makers, engineers, and insurance industry professionals.
Floating architecture as a part of ICAADE & GAPS 2025
While ICAADE & GAPS 2025 includes floating architecture as an important element—especially where the technical, social, and regulatory challenges overlap—it places a stronger emphasis on the unique potential and complexity of amphibious architecture. Floating conditions common to both types—such as anchoring systems, access, infrastructure, and living quality—will be studied in parallel. However, the conference aims to shine a brighter light on the amphibious context: what we still need to learn, develop, and regulate to make it a viable and scalable solution in flood-prone, resource-constrained, or culturally rooted environments.
ICAADE 2025, set in Kerala—a region where communities have always lived with water—offers a unique context to root these global conversations in local realities. Staying Afloat is not only about survival, but about finding ways to thrive.
Conference Highlights:
Renowned Keynote Speakers (t.b.a)
Engage with leading architects, engineers, policymakers, researchers, & practitioners who are shaping the future of amphibious and floating architecture worldwide.Insightful Sessions & Collaborative Dialogues
Participate in a dynamic two-day program featuring interactive sessions, case study presentations, and collaborative dialogues designed to boost scalability and foster interdisciplinary collaboration.Field Visit to experimental prototype
On the third day, we step into the heart of Kerala’s blue-green environment and flood resilience journey with a field trip to different amphibious and floating structures in the state. One of the main highlights, would be Amphi Nest, the amphibious pavilion prototype developed locally to demonstrate the working of a buoyant foundation under simulated high water conditions. Engage and experiment with the prototype while you are there!Strategic Networking & Industry Matchmaking
Connect with peers, professionals, and investors during curated networking events—including an exclusive industry matchmaking session that encourages real-world partnerships and knowledge exchange.Cultural & Social Experiences
Experience Kerala’s warmth and culture through a welcome reception, cultural performances, and the conference dinner—moments to unwind and build community beyond the sessions.
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