Jacques Rougerie News

A new ocean exploration vessel, 'SeaOrbiter' which the designer claims will provide permanent and continuous observation and research operations at the heart of the ocean is almost fully funded, ready to be built. Jacques Rougerie describes himself as a visionary architect who aims to deliver a new vision of underwater exploration with his SeaOrbiter, the culmination of over 30 years of research dedicated to bionic marine architecture and exploration of the undersea world. Internationally renowned…

SeaOrbiter, the first space station of the sea, is launching a crowd funding campaign on KissKissBankBank to finance the construction of the “Eye” of the vessel, to start in spring 2014. The Eye of the SeaOrbiter will be 18 meters (59 ft) high above the surface of the sea, with the overall vessel measuring 58 meters (190 ft). It will support the crow’s nest and the suite of communications systems that will allow the team to broadcast their adventures live. Life aboard, explorations, discoveries, and great scientific advancements will all be documented through the Eye’s technological prowess.

It could be an alien spacecraft or a 21st century version of Captain Nemo's Nautilus from Jules Verne "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea," but in fact it's a live-aboard, ocean-going laboratory that could be exploring the seas as soon as late next year, says CNN in a recent news report. Called the SeaOrbiter , the research vessel is the concept of French architect Jacques Rougerie. Currently the centerpiece of France's pavilion at Expo 2012 in Yeosu, South Korea, it has spent almost 12 years floating around as a mere concept.