Lily cities will save humanity from the Flood. Eco-city made of polyester fibers coated with a layer of titanium dioxide.
The planet is warming, glaciers are melting, sea levels are rising, and this will lead to mass migration of people from low-lying areas to other continental regions. To do this, the architect Vincent Callebaut designed the self-sufficient floating cities of Lilypads (lily cities).Each city can accommodate up to 50 thousand. people, and taking into account that up to 25 million inhabitants of the planet will be under the threat of flooding, Callebo worked thoroughly.
Inspired by the shape of a lily, he created an eco-city from polyester fibers coated with a layer of titanium dioxide. What is such a large-scale "ship"? Of course, a mountain of electronics and completely "green" solutions. So, the "double skin" of the structure is made of high-strength polyester fiber coated with a layer of titanium dioxide. The latter, under the influence of ultraviolet, decomposes atmospheric pollutants through a photocatalytic reaction. 
On an area of 50 thousand square meters there will be work surfaces, shops, residential areas; hanging gardens and aquaculture will be below water level. Cities should work on renewable energy sources: solar panels, wind and tidal energy, etc. Their launch is scheduled for 2058. 
Lily cities will save humanity from the Flood. Eco-city made of polyester fibers coated with a layer of titanium dioxide.
The planet is warming, glaciers are melting, sea levels are rising, and this will lead to mass migration of people from low-lying areas to other continental regions. To do this, the architect Vincent Callebaut designed the self-sufficient floating cities of Lilypads (lily cities).Each city can accommodate up to 50 thousand. people, and taking into account that up to 25 million inhabitants of the planet will be under the threat of flooding, Callebo worked thoroughly.
Inspired by the shape of a lily, he created an eco-city from polyester fibers coated with a layer of titanium dioxide. What is such a large-scale "ship"? Of course, a mountain of electronics and completely "green" solutions. So, the "double skin" of the structure is made of high-strength polyester fiber coated with a layer of titanium dioxide. The latter, under the influence of ultraviolet, decomposes atmospheric pollutants through a photocatalytic reaction. 
On an area of 50 thousand square meters there will be work surfaces, shops, residential areas; hanging gardens and aquaculture will be below water level. Cities should work on renewable energy sources: solar panels, wind and tidal energy, etc. Their launch is scheduled for 2058. 
Nicknames are an integral part of everyday life. We give nicknames to people, nicknames to animals, we come up with nicknames for ourselves, based mainly on the inherent qualities and traits of all. Cities are no exception, they also have nicknames.
There are several theories explaining this unusual name of the city. Most often they say that it appeared thanks to a large number of musicians and all kinds of concerts and festivals in New Orleans.
This name Bucharest received mainly for the exquisite architecture and elegance of the local elite. The capital of Romania is indeed smaller than Paris, but compared to other European cities, it boasts the sixth largest population.
The lily is so important to Florence that it has even become part of the city's official coat of arms. In fact, this is a stylized image of the Florentine iris, which was the insignia of the Frankish court, later the royal family of France, and even later, it appeared on the coat of arms of the Medici family. Lily petals symbolized the three pillars on which the state rests: devotion to the crown, valor in battles for it and the wisdom of kings.
Canada's most populous city has earned several nicknames over its long history, but the oldest of them is Dirty York. It received such an unsympathetic name even when it was a small village, when there were no sidewalks on the streets, and the rain turned the road into an impenetrable swamp.
Switzerland is known for its armed neutrality and active participation in the development of peace processes. Geneva is especially distinguished in this regard, where more than two hundred international organizations, including the Red Cross, are located.
Lion City is not just a nickname for the metropolis of Southeast Asia, but also a direct translation of its name. "Singa" is translated from Malay as "lion", and "pura" as "city".
With a population of over eight million, Cairo is considered one of the largest cities in both Africa and the world. But his nickname, to put it mildly, sounds like an exaggeration. There are many more ancient cities in the world that can be considered the cradle of human civilization.
What Italy's second largest city is famous for is that it is home to major fashion brands and shows. Armani, Versace, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana and many other famous names have earned Milan his honorary title.
Argentina's largest city, its capital, Buenos Aires, is another city that claims to be compared to Paris. Here, one of the highest concentrations of theaters in the world, besides, the city impresses with amazing architecture and rich historical heritage. That's the whole explanation.
If most of the nicknames clearly exaggerate the dignity, then the second name of Prague clearly underestimates them. The capital of the Czech Republic is known for its huge historical heritage, which includes not hundreds, but thousands of towers.
Australia's largest and most populated city owes its nickname to Port Jackson, one of the largest natural bays in the world. In addition, one of the main attractions of the city is located here - the Opera House and the Harbor Bridge.
With a population of just 300,000, Pittsburgh is the second largest city in Pennsylvania. Eg is called the Steel City for obvious reasons, there are more than three hundred companies that are in one way or another connected with the steel business. In addition, it has another name, the City of Bridges, since there are approximately 450 of them built throughout its territory.
The capital and most populated area of Norway is often referred to as the Tiger City. It is believed that this name first appeared around 1870 thanks to the writer Bjornstjern Bjornson, who perceived the city as a cold and dangerous place.
Initially, only the palace of the Chinese emperor, located in the center of Beijing, was called the forbidden city. Later the name spread to the whole city.
They say that the city received such a romantic name thanks to William Penn, an English Quaker who saw Philadelphia as a place where all people, regardless of skin color, nationality, live in peace and harmony. The name itself is translated from Greek: “philos” - love, “adelphos” - brother.
For those who have been to Barcelona, there is absolutely no need to explain the appearance of such a name. Spain's second largest city is home to most of Antoni Gaudí's most famous works.
With a population of 650,000, Siet is considered the largest city in the state of Washington. And it got its name thanks to the evergreen forests around and city parks. The second nickname - Jet City - is due to the presence of a Boeing manufacturer here.
One of the most famous tourist cities in the Mediterranean, Dubrovnik has received such a pleasant nickname for its numerous architectural and historical sights. Sometimes it is also called the Croatian Athens.
Tel Aviv has a population of 400,000 and is the second largest city in Israel. It is known for its vibrant nightlife and fun atmosphere. In this regard, he is practically a brother to New York.
The population of the city is over 8 million people. This is the largest settlement in Iran, however, as well as throughout Western Asia. As an economically developed center, it attracted a huge number of immigrants, which is why it deserved such a name.
The city got its name due to its proximity to the mountains. Despite the fact that the population is only 150 thousand people, Grenoble is considered one of the most important scientific centers in Europe. And in 1968 it hosted the Olympic Games.
Although there are several American cities that could lay claim to being called "Big D", Dallas still deserves it. With a population of 1.3 million, it is the ninth largest city in the United States.
Perhaps this is the oldest name of the city in this review. In ancient times, the Romans thought that no matter what happens in myrrh, how many empires are born and fall, their city will last forever. There is another well-known name for Rome - the City on seven hills.
The capital of Hungary has acquired several original nicknames in its history: the Capital of Freedom, the Capital of the Spa of Thermal Baths, the Capital of Festivals, but in most guidebooks it is indicated precisely as the Pearl of the Danube.
Today, the proud name "Capital of the Kings" for the Peruvian city is just an echo of history. Although that is what it was called in 1535 by the Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro. He chose such a high-profile name, because on January 6 - the day the city was founded - Spain celebrates the Day of the Kings.
Lille is a historical region of French Flanders, the center of the northern region of Nord-Pas-de-Calais, a city with a Flemish accent near the border with Belgium. That is why I chose this city for my trip. I thought a lot, looked at pictures on the Internet, did not know where to go in the spring. And then pictures of Lille caught my eye, reviews of tourists who visited this city.
I was delighted. A couple of days later I flew to Lille, a mysterious and fabulous city for me. Lille - France in the palm of your hand, that's how I would call the city.
For many centuries, textile production was the only thing that kept the city of Lille in the list of the most commercial cities. But one day, unable to withstand the pressure from the new times, the city surrendered.
But now it is one of the most cultural capitals of royal France, the main commercial and shopping center, a place of French students, but still we must pay tribute to this city: it is so beautiful, stunning and fascinating city that welcomes its guests so brightly that you even forget Why did you come here, because you didn’t want to go back at all.
How to get here?
The international airport is located 10 kilometers from the city center. It is here that regular international and domestic flights land: from Spain, Portugal, Morocco. This time I was flying from Spain, where an international conference was taking place for all of us journalists.
By the way, there are no direct flights from Russia. First you need to fly to the famous Paris Charles de Gaulle airport, take a train and come here, to Lille.
Twice an hour, high-speed trains run to Lille from the Gare du Nord. Travel time takes approximately one hour. And the fare is from 17 to 40 euros.
There is a second departure option - this is to fly to Brussels airport, which has a direct train connection with Lille. In just 40 minutes you can reach this charming city.
If you are going here from other cities in France, then you can get from Lyon (travel time 3 hours), Marseille (travel time 4 hours), Bordeaux (travel time 5 hours), Strasbourg (travel time takes 3 hours) .
For beloved Englishmen, there is a railway connection with London: a train moves through the mysterious tunnel under the English Channel, the journey takes only an hour.
Two large stations were built in Lille: Flemish and European. They are located 400 meters from each other.
What sights are worth seeing in Lille?
When I arrived from Spain to Lille, I was immediately struck by the atmosphere of the city: friendly people, half of the people generally walked around in multi-colored clothes, with a smile on their lips. For some reason, only here there was an atmosphere of calm, no one was in a hurry, as can be seen in other European countries, where no one sees except business and money.
From this wonderful atmosphere, I even got tired of smoking, and I went for a walk around the unfamiliar city of Lille, the sights that began to come across already at the first step.
The Grand Place, which is named after the famous French figure Charles de Gaulle
In the center of the city of Lille is the famous Grand Place, which is named after the famous French figure Charles de Gaulle. Here, in the center, stands a tall statue of one goddess, which symbolizes the heroism of the inhabitants of the city during an unstable situation in 1792.
The landmark of the city is the house where the famous Charles de Gaulle was born. Today, this house houses a museum. But I didn’t go to the museum, because I don’t like all these boring things. Let's go further.
I walked and walked from the central square and suddenly found myself in the quarters of ancient Lille, where today you can see expensive boutiques and shops in the newly restored quarters.
For people interested in history, ancient culture and the spiritual world of cities, there is one Museum of Fine Arts. It is the second of the leading museums after the Louvre in terms of size and richness of all the masterpieces of European painting, ancient monuments, sculpture and ceramics. The map of Lille has a lot of museums and historical centers.
The museum has paintings by famous artists - Rubens, Botticelli, Goya, Veronese. So you can safely walk around, admire the paintings and enjoy real creativity.
When I stopped at the Paris Gate, I immediately understood why they are so famous.
The construction was built a long time ago, when you were not yet born, on the day of the victory of Louis the 14th and the return of Lille.
On the right side, there is a statue of Hercules, which is a symbol of stability and reliability, and on the left, a statue of Mars, the magnificent and famous God of War.
I even took a picture against the backdrop of the gate and went on.
What is this city famous for?
Lille has won over many people with its markets, especially the Braderie market in September, where you can buy everything from food to paintings and technology. There is also a Christmas market.
The modern district of the city of Euralille, built relatively recently, is famous, and it is visited not only by residents of the city, but also by guests from all over the world. Even I visited it.
Do you know what the feature of this city is? You will never ride a Segway as freely as here! I did a couple of laps on two-wheel platforms with high handlebars. This is a Chinese novelty, as always. For half an hour of skiing, I paid 4 euros. And if you take a Segway for half a day, then you will have to fork out for 14 euros. If the full - then 20 euros.
You can ride a Segway in France on the Champ de Mars, there are also rentals at the Flemish railway station. Before you start riding, you go through the instructions, and then you are given a permit that allows you to ride freely on such wonderful cars throughout France.
How is the weather?
Since I came here in the spring, I was very lucky. There was no rain, it was very dry, but cloudy. Sometimes the sun was beautiful. What is the weather like in Lille?
In general, the weather in Lille is moderate, without any harsh winter or sultry heat.
I walked around the city in April and it was +16 degrees. Of course, so that the breeze would not blow, I tied a scarf and was like that.
Taste the local cuisine
Ah, if you only knew how much I ate in the restaurants of Lille! It would seem that I arrived not very hungry, they fed me well on the plane, and in between walks I grabbed either a hot dog or a hamburger.
But, having come to one of the restaurants in Lille, I could not resist. Delicious, fragrant, delicious.
Lille is a friendly and generous city. As for the local cuisine, the portions here are large (you need to order one serving for two, and that will be a lot), no one spares time and products for preparing delicious dishes.
The cuisine of Lille deserves close and worthy attention. There are only three tables in the city's cuisine: Flemish carbonate (appetizing pieces of beef fried in beer), waterzoi (poultry under sour cream with vegetables), potevleish (jelly from different types of meat in a pot).
You can also enjoy a huge amount of beer of different varieties: tart, ginger, dark, light.
Finally, I would like to add that Lille is a wonderful, fabulous city. Of course, you can't get around it in one day. Try to find five days and plunge into this amazing atmosphere.
The choice of hotels in the city is rather big, for every taste. I stayed at the Au Clos Notre Dame apartment, I liked the convenient location in the city center and excellent reviews on Booking. I did not regret it - the apartments are quiet, there is a kitchen, the Internet works fine.
Lille - a mysterious and fabulous French city - VIDEO
The old town in Lille is small but elegant. There are four museums here at once, one of which - the Museum of Fine Arts - is the second largest in France. Immerse yourself in the amazing atmosphere of French Lille.
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