It May Be Hard to Believe, but People Actually Live in These Houses #3
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CreativityTranscript
00:00Have you ever imagined living in a place unlike any home you've ever known?
00:05The world is full of unique and bizarre places that may seem unbelievable, yet people actually
00:11live in these homes.
00:13Get ready with WowTV to experience unexpected perspectives you never thought of before.
00:22In the Southern Netherlands lies a village that looks like a scene straight out of a
00:25science fiction movie.
00:27Alwinningen is a residential area with unique spherical houses.
00:33Inside the houses are three levels, bedrooms on the ground, a bathroom in the middle, and
00:39a living space on the top.
00:48They look very modern, but drawbacks include their small size and high cost.
00:57However, the surrounding environment is quite good, which is why residents here have no
01:06intention of leaving.
01:17It's truly surprising to learn that this magical scenery isn't the work of any editing
01:21software, but rather created by human hands.
01:26The bandwall and Bakshi Islands, also known as Purple Island, are a part of the transformation
01:31project in South Korea.
01:34In 2015, to shake off the dark times, locals covered the island with a purple hue, inspired
01:40by lavender which grows here naturally.
01:44Over 400 houses, hundreds of telephone booths, numerous fields, and a large bridge connecting
01:50the two islands all painted in purple.
01:54Residents even eat purple rice and wear purple uniforms.
01:58Purple lovers surely can't miss this incredible destination, and don't forget to wear purple!
02:15Many wondered how something could fit inside a house like this, dismissing it as a joke.
02:23But their opinions quickly change upon seeing what the inside of the house looks like.
02:35The house stands about 7 meters tall, 15 meters long, and is only 1.3 meters wide.
02:42It was constructed by the artist Erwin Wurm.
02:47With all the amenities of a regular home, bedrooms, bathrooms, and a living room.
02:54For some, this setup evokes feelings of claustrophobia and discomfort as they navigate closely against
03:00the walls.
03:02Would you live in a house like this?
03:08Ketekesu Village has been like a living museum in Taraja, Indonesia for over 400 years.
03:14All the houses here are built in the Tongkonen style, with massive boat-shaped roofs lined
03:19up facing each other.
03:23The enclosed design with few windows gives a mysterious vibe when you step inside.
03:29Surprisingly, these spaces serve as communal areas for resting and ceremonies, designed
03:36to withstand harsh weather and keep out wild animals.
03:47What you're seeing are buffalo horns.
03:49Locals believe that the more buffalo horns a house has, the wealthier the family is.
04:01This isn't an abandoned airplane in the woods.
04:05It's the home of an American electrical engineer named Bruce Campbell.
04:09Bruce dreamed of creating a unique home from a young age.
04:12When he discovered that truck houses existed, he thought about repurposing decommissioned
04:17airplanes.
04:19With his skills, Bruce transformed an old Boeing 727 into a real house that meets basic
04:24human needs.
04:31At the same time, he retained several original features to suit his personal taste.
04:41Have you ever thought about living underground?
04:44About 150 million years ago, part of Australia was covered by the ocean, which later turned
04:49into a desert, causing severe climate changes.
04:52Cold in winter, like down to one degree, and in summer where it gets up to around the
04:5845 mark.
05:06To cope with harsh weather, the residents of Cooper Petty came up with the idea of building
05:10houses underground.
05:14Using simple materials like sandstone and siltstone, these houses maintain a constant
05:18temperature of 23 degrees Celsius, that's 73 degrees Fahrenheit year-round.
05:25The architecture can help residents maximize their privacy.
05:30This could be a great idea if humans move to live on another planet in the future.
05:43You might not know Atelier by name, but you might have heard of the Cliff Village and
05:48Sichuan China.
05:50This village, perched on an 800-meter cliff, became famous after images of students here
05:55climbing sky ladders to school went viral.
05:59To help the villagers, the government pitched in 1 million yuan, about $150,000, to build
06:05a 3-kilometer-long steel ladder with 2,556 steps.
06:11In 2020, in response to new policies, 84 families agreed to move to a resettlement area below
06:17the cliff.
06:19However, 30 households chose to remain in their original homes, continuing to develop
06:25tourism in the area.
06:37Can you see the house hiding in the middle of this forest?
06:40Welcome to Mirror Cube, the invisible hotel.
06:44The mirrored walls reflect everything around it, making it blend right into nature.
06:51A unique design, with a lightweight aluminum structure wrapped around a tree trunk, compact
06:57yet fully equipped.
06:59At night, the hotel becomes even more enchanting, with light shining from inside.
07:07Anytime you visit, Mirror Cube is always a magical place because of its one-of-a-kind
07:11experiences.
07:21In a stark contrast to the flashy exterior of Las Vegas, deep within its tunnels lies
07:25a miserable underworld.
07:31Originally built as a storm drainage system for the city, these tunnels now shelter nearly
07:352,000 homeless individuals.
07:39These residents, often dubbed mole people, endure living in dark, damp, and dirty conditions
07:45that are meant for moles, not people.
07:50They must contend with darkness, the risk of flooding in rainy seasons, and the constant
07:55threat of lurking criminals.
07:59Outside volunteer groups have ventured into these tunnels to distribute food and advocate
08:03for these individuals to return to the surface.
08:08But rescuing thousands of mole people from the darkness is not something a few individuals
08:13can accomplish.
08:22A famous bridge not meant for vehicles, only pedestrians, sounds hard to believe, but it's
08:28true.
08:29With incredible historical significance, Ponte Vecchio Bridge was built in the Middle Ages
08:34and is the largest stone and wood architecture here.
08:39The bridge has been a marvel due to the houses built along both sides.
08:43Initially, these shops were meat markets, but were later replaced by jewelry shops,
08:48making it a renowned tourist destination.
08:51This place is not for vehicles because it's always bustling with pedestrians passing by,
08:56shopping, and enjoying the scenery.
08:59Ponte Vecchio is also famous for the love locks, a symbol of eternal love.
09:17Movies often draw inspiration from real life, and maybe the model for the Flintstones was
09:21the Casa de Penedo in Portugal.
09:25Made from four granite boulders, the house even has a pool and bulletproof windows.
09:30Inside, it's fully equipped, except for electrical appliances, as the owner wanted to return
09:36to a pre-technology era.
09:39Originally, it was a family retreat, but the house quickly became famous for its unique
09:44architecture.
09:46Curious visitors made the owner move elsewhere, and now the house has become a local museum
09:50attracting many tourists.
09:56Bathrooms are ideal places for many people to sit for hours, but they definitely won't
10:01want to stay there for more than 10 minutes.
10:07Makoto in Nigeria is considered one of the most forgotten and insane slums.
10:13It's characterized by rickety wooden houses floating on water, with up to 200,000 residents.
10:20Due to a lack of government attention, this place faces worse living conditions than ever,
10:25with waste, disease, and floods.
10:29Despite all these hardships, the people here live with a lot of affection and acceptance.
10:34However, these children deserve a better life.
10:43Integrating tradition into modern living, that's how the pyramid buildings in China
10:47were born.
10:49This residential complex is inspired by the terraced fields of Asia and the sport of parkour,
10:54which is gaining renewed interest among the youth.
10:59Alongside an 18-story building are two 12-story buildings, all stacked like Lego houses.
11:06It seems like an ideal living space, but residents face many privacy inconveniences.
11:15If you stand on the balcony of this house, you can easily see all the activities of the
11:19neighbors living below.
11:25Do you remember the speech by Tuvalu's foreign minister amidst the waters of COP26, which
11:30went viral on social media?
11:35As the fourth smallest country in the world, Tuvalu has about 11,000 people in an area
11:40of nearly 26 square kilometers, with its highest point just 3 meters above sea level.
11:47With the current sea level rise and coastal erosion rates, experts predict that this island
11:51nation will completely disappear by the end of the 21st century.
11:56Some countries, like Fiji and Australia, suggested offering land for Tuvaluans to resettle, but
12:02their government declined.
12:05After struggling to save their homeland, relocation will be their last resort.
12:18The means of transportation in the floating village of Kampong Luang, Cambodia are boats
12:23and rafts.
12:26The unique features of the houses and structures here is that they are built on stilts 6 to
12:319 meters high to adapt to the changing water levels between seasons.
12:37Due to a semi-nomadic lifestyle and almost non-existent welfare services, the lives of
12:42over 300 households here are very challenging.
12:46They do everything on the water surface, including using the lake water for bathing, swimming,
12:51washing, fishing, boat transportation, and goods transportation.
12:56As a result, the area is underdeveloped and faces significant environmental pollution
13:01issues.
13:04Those who have visited Kampong Luang are deeply impressed by the resilience of the locals.
13:12The only place in the world to experience the clearest auroras and the super blue blood
13:16moon is the town of Longyearbyen in the Svaljard archipelago, Norway.
13:22Located about 1,050 kilometers from the North Pole, this is where the sun doesn't set for
13:26four months, and the night lasts for the following four months of the year.
13:33Initially founded for coal mining, Longyearbyen is now a hub for scientific research and adventure
13:38tourism.
13:39There are 2,400 residents from over 50 countries here, and you can easily become one of them
13:44as the town allows immigration without a visa.
13:52Thanks to the modern design and technology, humans can indeed live underwater like fish.
13:59The Miraka Hotel at Conrad Maldives is considered an architectural marvel with its unique underwater
14:04design.
14:06This hotel has two levels, like other hotels, with the upper part above the sea level offering
14:11all amenities and facilities.
14:17The standout feature of this architecture is the main bedroom on the lower level, submerged
14:22over five meters below sea level.
14:25Imagine experiencing the sensation of sleeping with a fish or having coffee surrounded by
14:30coral.
14:32I think that would be an amazing experience brought to us by talented architects.
14:40A house that can't stand up to a passing breeze.
14:43Yeah, you didn't mishear me.
14:45Reactor, the daring creation by Alex Schweder and Ward Shelley, brought this seemingly absurd
14:50idea to life.
14:52Its mobility depends not only on external forces, but also on the movements of people
14:57inside.
14:58The two architects lived in the house for five days in public view to highlight the
15:03importance of human interaction, because the house can only achieve balance when everyone
15:07inside cooperates harmoniously.
15:14The desert may seem uneventful until you discover the marvel of Huacachina Oasis.
15:21Located in one of the driest climates on Earth, Huacachina is considered an oasis amidst the
15:25desert with around 100 residents.
15:30The oasis formed naturally due to geological movements.
15:34Infrastructure in Huacachina is relatively well developed.
15:39The most popular activities here include exploring the desert in dune buggies and sandboarding
15:43down the towering dunes.
15:52City of the Silent, City of Souls.
15:55Can you guess where this is?
15:58It's Colma, California, a town with just 1,700 residents squeezed into 2.2 square miles.
16:07But here's the twist, it's home to over 1.5 million departed souls, and 73% of its land
16:14is dedicated to cemeteries.
16:18Colma was founded in 1924 as a solution for San Francisco's burial space shortage.
16:25This has persisted to this day, defining the town and even showing up on its local
16:29merchandise.
16:34We're living in an era of rapid technological advancement.
16:42In Chongqing, China, the train running through a skyscraper really made a statement, blending
16:47architectural artistry with cutting-edge engineering.
16:51Engineers ingeniously routed the train tracks through the 19-floor residential building,
16:55saving construction costs and providing convenient access for residents.
17:00Residents in the apartment haven't really complained about noise either.
17:03When the train passes through, it only produces about 75.8 decibels of noise, which is like
17:09having a conversation in a restaurant.
17:11So the building doesn't really experience much vibration from the train.
17:15The zebra has become a significant symbol that marks China's progress and development
17:20over the past 70 years.
17:25When it comes to apartment complexes, we often picture box-like structures containing multiple
17:30units inside.
17:32But Habitat 67 completely breaks away from this traditional image.
17:37With its 12 floors, each unit within has its own balcony and comes in different sizes.
17:44The rooftop gardens are lush, natural ventilation systems abound, and ample daylight floods
17:49the interiors.
17:51Habitat 67 is considered a revolution in high-rise, high-density living.
17:56Even though many old trends have faded, Habitat 67 stays modern and is a vital part of the
18:01community here.
18:04Long ago, people learned to dig into the earth to build homes to protect themselves from
18:08harsh weather.
18:10The underground city of Derinkuyu is one of the most remarkable examples still existing.
18:16Some archaeologists estimate it was built around 2000 BC by the Hittites.
18:22It's amazing to think about the skills and knowledge of those builders back then.
18:27Living underground for extended periods was incredibly challenging, yet none of Derinkuyu's
18:3118 levels have collapsed.
18:34This vast underground maze spans 18 floors and reaches a depth of 85 meters, capable
18:40of housing up to 20,000 people.
18:43During various periods, Derinkuyu served as a refuge for residents and a storage for food.
18:48Today, Derinkuyu is a museum, open daily throughout the year.
18:57As the world undergoes modernization, the Eros people of Lake Titicaca in South America
19:02maintain their ancient traditions with reeds.
19:05Originally used for small house materials, locals later transformed them into floating
19:10islands, boats, watchtowers, schools, and more.
19:15To combat rot caused by high humidity, they must regularly replace the reeds, especially
19:20during the storm season.
19:22Living in a damp environment without many modern resources or amenities may not be ideal
19:27for many, but the Eros people live with pride and honor in their unique cultural heritage.
19:34Rosinha is an informal settlement built illegally on the hillsides of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.
19:41Everything is tightly packed into small spaces, with houses stacked on top of each other,
19:45sometimes up to 10 stories high.
19:49Despite its challenging conditions, basic amenities such as electricity, water, and
19:54even cable TV are available.
19:57However, there are no safety or sanitation regulations, and disease outbreaks are common
20:02due to the narrow channels between houses.
20:05Compared to some other slums, Rosinha prides itself on relatively better infrastructure.
20:13Imagine if your neighbors were scarecrows.
20:16It's kind of creepy, but that's the reality of Nagoro Village, Japan.
20:21Unlike regular scarecrows, which are used to protect crops, those in Nagoro Village
20:25are there to fight loneliness.
20:40The idea of reviving the village came to artist Ayano Tsukimi while making scarecrows in memory
20:45of her dad.
20:47There are now 300 scarecrows, 10 times more than the real residents.
20:52The backstory of the scarecrow village nickname left me feeling more sad than scared.
21:00Those who love freshness and sweetness will surely be captivated by this place.
21:05Bo Cap is not only recognized as a historical landmark of South Africa, but also known as
21:10the Cape Malay Quarter.
21:13The brightly colored houses in Dutch and British architectural styles, combined with winding
21:18cobblestone streets.
21:21This neighborhood is also famous for its roadside shops selling handmade crafts crafted
21:25by the locals themselves.
21:28The mosque is a special feature, providing a spiritual space and cultural diversity to
21:33the area.
21:40When you see the hanging temple of Datong, it's natural to wonder how ancient people
21:44could build it clinging to sheer cliffs.
21:48The construction method was actually quite simple.
21:51They carved holes into the rock face and inserted large oak beams as supports, keeping it stable
21:57for over 1,500 years.
22:01Located in a recessed part of the cliff, the temple is protected from rain and falling
22:05rocks as well as flooding.
22:09To this day, it remains the only architecture in China that combines Buddhism, Taoism, and
22:15Confucianism.
22:16And it's not the only structure in China built in such a precarious location.
22:25It seems like Elsa must have visited this town and left behind some incredibly dazzling
22:30ice architecture.
22:31True to its name, this hotel's entire interior is crafted from 5,000 tons of ice from the
22:38Torn River.
22:42Spanning a total of 6,000 square meters, it boasts about 55 bedrooms.
22:48Whenever you visit, you always get a fresh feeling because the hotel changes its design
22:53every year.
22:55This is not just a place to stay, but a harmonious blend of art, nature, and creativity that
23:01creates a magnificent space.
23:10It takes 450 years for plastic to decompose, making it a hazardous waste for the environment,
23:16but it can also be turned into sustainable building materials.
23:20Richard Soa, a British builder, saw the potential of discarded plastic bottles and transformed
23:26them into the island you see.
23:28The island's core consists of 150,000 plastic bottles placed in nets, covered with topsoil,
23:35and interconnected by tree roots.
23:39Richard harnessed his nature to improve life, like using solar-powered stoves or seashell
23:44showers.
23:45What's most fascinating is that this island operates like a boat.
23:49It can sail anywhere.
23:54Aogashima, Japan, is home to some of the bravest people in the world, living directly on the
23:59rim of an active volcano.
24:02This tiny island, inhabited by only 200 people, is isolated in the Pacific Ocean over 350
24:09kilometers away from Tokyo.
24:12What makes it unique is that it's a double-volcano island, with a smaller volcano nested inside
24:17of a larger one.
24:19Though beautiful and unique, it's also risky because the giant volcano could erupt at any
24:24time.
24:26Until then, it remains a peaceful and untouched place, separated from the outside world.
24:33Check out Sealand, the smallest nation in the world, with just 27 people and an area
24:38the size of two tennis courts.
24:41It was established on a fort that the United Kingdom built during World War II and later
24:46abandoned.
24:48In 1967, former British Army Major Roy Bates seized the fort and declared it an independent
24:54nation.
24:56Throughout its history, there have been disputes between Sealand and the United Kingdom, but
25:01ultimately, the UK has been unable to exert control over Sealand as it lies outside its
25:06territorial waters.
25:09Despite having its own flag, currency, and passports, Sealand has not been internationally
25:14recognized as a sovereign state.
25:19In the midst of skyscrapers in Chongqing, China, there's a unique horizontal architecture
25:23called the Crystal.
25:27It's part of the Raffles City Chongqing Complex, consisting of eight skyscrapers stretching
25:32300 meters long and towering up to 250 meters high.
25:37The Crystal serves not only as a bridge connecting the skyscrapers, but also houses various amenities
25:42and spaces.
25:44It stands as a testament to creativity and progress in modern architecture and urban
25:48development in Chongqing.
25:56A building that can dance?
25:58That's entirely possible with limitless human creativity.
26:02Architects Vlado Milunic and Frank Gehry created the Dancing House amidst the buildings
26:06along the Vlatva River in Prague.
26:10However, this style sparked considerable controversy.
26:14The Dancing House is constructed from 99 concrete panels, each with a different shape and size.
26:20Atop the building is a large, twisted metal structure.
26:24This site features nearly 3,000 square meters of office space, restaurants, exhibition rooms,
26:29and a conference center.
26:33With a rooftop terrace accessible from the ninth floor, visitors can enjoy breathtaking
26:38views of Prague.
26:39Today, the Dancing House is recognized as one of Prague's most important landmarks and
26:45attracts numerous tourists each year.
26:52No roads, no cars, just boats.
26:56That's Geethorn, one of the oldest villages in Europe, dubbed the Venice of the North.
27:03The village is renowned for its extensive network of canals and hundreds of bridges.
27:08In contrast, there are very few roads, all of which are narrow footpaths.
27:13Tourists arriving by car must park in the outskirts and choose to explore on foot, by
27:18bicycle, or by boat.
27:22It's a year-round tourist hotspot because every season is picturesque, even winter.
27:31Famous as the Manhattan of the desert, Shabam is surrounded by a defensive wall.
27:36Not only that, this architecture is a vivid testament to the ingenuity and a masterpiece
27:40of ancient civilizations.
27:43As a city from the 14th century, it's one of the oldest examples based on the principle
27:48of vertical construction.
27:51Its distinctive feature lies in its 500 tall towers, ranging from 5 to 11 stories, all
27:57built with mud bricks.
27:59To protect the buildings from rain and erosion, walls must be regularly coated with layers
28:03of mud.
28:06This architectural style was used to shield residents from attacks by nomads.
28:11With a history of over 2,000 years, this city is an icon of human resilience in the harsh
28:16desert environment.
28:19Our eyes aren't deceiving you, this super crooked shape is the result of a big storm.
28:24Just kidding, this house is well known by two names, Crooked House and Drunk House.
28:31It was built by a talented Polish architect in 2004, inspired by fairy tales.
28:37Looking at its crooked walls, windows, and sagging roof, few know they're made of incredibly
28:42sturdy reinforced concrete.
28:45And its placement next to straight houses only highlights its uniqueness.
28:52Thirteen years ago, a wave of urban redevelopment and resettlement swept through many cities
28:56in China.
28:58In Guangzhou, one household was persuaded to relocate, but was dissatisfied with the
29:03compensation apartment offered.
29:05The replacement apartment faced a mortuary, so the homeowner was determined to stay in
29:09their old house until receiving a higher payout.
29:13Unable to do anything else, the developer had to change the design and continue the
29:17project.
29:19Unexpectedly, this site became a highly sought-after destination in the city.
29:27In Dagestan, there's a village situated 1,800 meters above sea level called Kubachi,
29:32renowned for its silver crafting tradition.
29:35Children are taught handicrafts from a young age to carry on their ancestors' legacy.
29:41Living high up in the cliffs, far from modern civilization, Kubachi retains its wild and
29:46ancient charm.
29:48Infrastructure development for tourists is still limited, so visitors often rely on the
29:53hospitality of locals.
30:11There's a stunning watercolor painting in Jiangxi Wangxian Valley, Jiangxi, China.
30:26The most famous feature here is the houses clinging to cliffs, built in ancient architectural
30:31style with earthen walls, black-tiled roofs, and small wooden windows.
30:36Taihe Gorge, 110 meters high, includes 12 glass rooms, a library, a hanging restaurant,
30:43and an observation deck built on this cliff.
30:46The long and serene valley has streams flowing gently, and majestic waterfalls flowing year-round
30:52without ever drying up.
30:58Along with rapid population growth, cities are starting to favor space-saving architecture.
31:04Big houses and narrow homes are becoming more popular.
31:07However, the most groundbreaking idea is the hanging apartments.
31:12Surprisingly, emerging and going viral, no one knows where it originated, but it could
31:17very well become widespread in the future.
31:21Did the unique structures we just introduced make you feel fascinated?
31:25If you could live in any of these spaces, let us know below.
31:29Feel free to add to WowTV's list by sharing your experiences in the comment section.