A multipurpose floating structure as an attractor for coastal leisure activities.

The Italian coastlines are sometimes shaped homogeneously, without references for short-range recreational boating. A multipurpose floating structure, based on the technology of the submersible cages for offshore aquaculture, might satisfy the man's search for peculiar spatial conformations to where orient themselves and "settle" their activities. Such artificial "atoll" should become an attracting magnet for small boats, a rod-fishing facility (like a "fishing pond"), an open-sea swimming pool, a resting spot and a catering station, the starting base for scuba diving, an educational and research tool. The module is made of 4 submersible net cages (to be sunk to avoid storms and for in loco winter storage); a pontoon, also submersible, serves as supporting space. A preliminary study suggests that the enterprise is economically viable even with a reduced exploitation season; moreover, the modular design may permit to easily expand the structure and to adapt the initiative to other suitable sites.