Floating suburbs a solution for sprawling Sydney

Pan, a second-year civil engineering student who has a passion for fluid mechanics, said her Independent Floating Modules (IFMs) were designed like a floating water lily.

"My IFM’s would represent cutting-edge technology in many fields, including renewable energy production and naval engineering, and would propel Sydney to the forefront of sustainable urban research and make our city a role model for other international cities.” she said.

The 19-year-old envisages high-speed ferries would connect the mainland to IFMs which would be powered by off-the-grid technologies such as solar, wind, and wave energy.

“If we build on the sea, our arable land will be left for horticultural purposes.”

Pan's IFMs would each measure approximately 74ha providing affordable housing for about 20,000 residents per island.

Now in its third year, the annual Bradfield Scholarship was set up in recognition of the legacy of John Bradfield, the celebrated engineer and University of Sydney alumnus whose grand ideas and vision drove two of Sydney’s most transformative projects - Sydney Harbour Bridge and the city’s underground railway system.

This year students were asked to develop and present their idea for turning Sydney into a first-tier city. The winning student, to be announced on Wednesday 19 October, will receive a $10,000 scholarship provided by Lendlease. Finalists will also be eligible for internships with the property and development corporation.