As climate change continues, many are concerned that rising sea levels will cause coastal countries (and states) to experience devastating floods. Unfortunately, many of these nations are far behind their Western counterparts when it comes to developing the technology to preserve homes and businesses if this scenario does occur.

Building levees and canals requires money, infrastructure, and materials these countries don't have access to, but rising above the increasing water line could be achieved effortlessly if we chance our thinking about what houses and communities look like.

A recent entry in the 2010 design contest, THE SELF-SUFFICIENT CITY: Envisioning the habitat of the future, may be an example of how some coastal villages could be constructed to prepare for climate changes and achieve a sustainable way of life.

Constructed entirely of bamboo, the design is based on the versatile shape of the hexagon. Created with the 1,600 villagers of Vietnam's Halong Bay in mind, the design proposes the creation of a hexagonal floating community. Most Halong Bay families currently live on pieces of land that are no more than 10 - 15 meters, so a compact yet functional size was essential.

From Green Diary: A foam float system will support a double layer module of 450m of bamboo. While the first storey will be a family space for dining, kitchen, bedroom and toilet, the second storey will house two bedrooms for kids and parents. Each house within the hexagonal module platform will be connected to other ones to create a mobilizing community.

Designers plan to power the floating village with solar panels so that visiting tourists will have access to modest amounts of electricity. Freshwater will be garnished from rainwater catchments, and fishing and aquaculture will continue be the permanent sources of food, although movable farms could be created by growing vegetables in recycled boxes.

Image Credits: Green Diary and The Self-Sufficient City Contest