IslandarcH

Extending beyond Australian borders, islands located in ‘Disaster Alley’ are most prone to the threat of rising sea levels and require immediate assistance to ensure their survival. Using Hyper Active Transport (HAT) principles, Hyperloop can be laid in the shallow waters that connect Indonesia on what was once the ancient landbridge between Sahul and Sunda. This new maritime landbridge could strengthen connections between South and East Asia with Australasia and incorporate disaster insurance strategies such as ‘IslandarcH’.

‘IslandarcH’ plays a critical role as emergency aid outposts for islands in distress and could be later integrated with Hyperloop stations. A case study on Kofiau, an island in the Indonesian archipelago highlights underlying threats from rising sea levels, overfishing and extensive logging. Complete with accommodation, research, medical and education facilities, IslandarcH could offer a viable alternative income for local communities by servicing and assisting the research efforts while offering the income potential of eco tourism. The prefabrication of each module offers mobility and adaptability, vital for conditions surrounding Kofiau. Each module is wholly self-sufficient, integrated with sustainable renewable energy, water tanks and a sewerage treatment system. Many islands under threat in the region could benefit from IslandarcH assistance due to its adaptable and mobile nature.

A Hyperloop network could connect Australia with an expanded ASEAN, fostering Super Campuses on a global scale. The implementation of HAT not only transforms the urban fabric of a city, but also can broaden interconnectedness between major global cities to allow for collaboration and innovation. This is crucial in insuring against the existential threat of climate change.