This Solar-Powered Sculpture Could Generate Billions of Liters of Drinkable Water From the Ocean

Taking place every other year since 2010, the Land Art Generator Initiative has sought to provide “a platform for innovative ways of thinking about what renewable energy generation looks like and how it relates to the overall fabric of our constructed and natural environments.” This year’s proposed solar-powered Pipe is perhaps the Initiative’s most incredible submission to date. Conceptualized by Khalili Engineers, the unique design — equal parts sculpture, machine and architectural project — is intended to float off the coast of Santa Monica to remind “us about our dependence on water and about our need to appreciate and value this vital gift.” Best of all, Pipe utilizes a solar-powered electromagnetic filtration process to generate as much as 4.5 billion liters of clean drinking water from the salty Pacific. And the process not only desalinates the water, but removes impurities, too. Visitors can even soak in Pipe‘s thermal baths (12% salinity) while taking in panoramic views of the California coast.

Winners of this year’s Land Art Generator Initiative will be announced in October.