While traveling and taking vacations can be a great chance to relax and unwind away from work, they are also an opportunity to marvel at some of the wonders of modern engineering and construction which have been created across the globe.
There is more to that world than just huge, striking skyscrapers too, as man-made – or artificial – islands created through land reclamation can also be intriguing areas to visit. Here we provide a brief history of such regions, as well as some pointers on a few you could consider seeing for yourself.
While you would be forgiven for thinking that the idea of creating an island from scratch would be a very modern innovation, you may be surprised and intrigued to learn that the concept has actually been around for a number of centuries.
Experts believe that there is evidence of land reclamation in Ancient Egyptian times, while earlier this year it was revealed that scientists think the man-made Crannogs in the Outer Hebrides may even date back to the Neolithic period. According to The Times, this would mean they predate the Egyptian pyramids by around 1,000 years. Leaping forward in time, another well-known man-made island is Wilhelmstein, which was built in the 18th century in Germany and is based on stones which were carried to the site by fishermen. The region in Lake Steinhude is now a popular tourist destination.
But while the idea has clearly existed for centuries, arguably the first modern example of an artificial island was created in the Netherlands in the 1960s. Known as Flevopolder, the region is thought to incredibly have a total land surface in the region of 374 square miles.
Of course, if you say the words ‘artificial island’ these days, there is probably one particular development that you think of before any other. The Palm Jumeirah in Dubai is arguably the most striking man-made island ever created, as it features a stunning design and has also become synonymous with absolute luxury.
The Atlantis The Palm Hotel on the island offers first-class facilities to tourists, while a host of incredible properties can be found on its 16 fronds. According to Bayut’s Palm Jumeirah guide, the prices for stunning apartments and villas can vary, although those who opt for the latter also get to benefit from the added perk of private beaches.
However, there is more to modern man-made island construction than simply to offer new levels of luxury. As DesigningBuildings.co.uk explains, the artificial island of Hulhumale in the Maldives was created to withstand the threat of rising sea levels and is placed around two metres above the surrounding ocean. Furthermore, it was reported earlier this year that the Hong Kong government is also planning to create islands to ease housing issues in the area.
So while it may be easy to think of man-made islands as a very modern creation, the concept has been around for a number of centuries and continues to be something that countries and other regions turn to.
The Palm Jumeriah may offer absolute luxury to its residents and tourists alike, but we’re sure you’ll be truly fascinated to visit some of the other areas mentioned above and learn more about these intriguing constructions.
Image credit: Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah
