Germany – Design practice 3Deluxe is combining the luxurious tropes of superyachts with bio-positive innovation. Its VY.01 conceptual project presents a zero-carbon superyacht, featuring eco-conscious elements such as a greenhouse, an on-board vegetable garden and zero-carbon solar panels on the roof and exterior.
The creators intend for it to be used for both work and relaxation, as well as being made available for educational and training purposes. In a press release, the design practice describes VY.01 as ‘a modern, innovative school ship for new inspirational approaches for young people, students and innovative start-ups, as an unconventional place for summits, conferences and think tanks’. In this way, 3Deluxe aims to subvert the elitism associated with superyachts, instead positioning it as an open-access environment for societal discussions and bio-positive experimentation.
While this project has a clear environmental purpose, we’ve previously explored how such luxurious environments can serve as resilient residences for a future affected by climate change and disasters.
Strategic opportunity
The luxury sector has an opportunity to combine premium services with sustainable innovation that benefits wider society. Venues such as hotels, retail spaces and restaurants could take a similar, open-access approach