Monaco wants to expand itself again at the expense of the sea

Paris - The small but very prosperous principality of Monaco wants to increase its area again at the expense of the sea. By 2014, it is expected to grow by about 15 hectares, which is nearly ten percent. Prince Albert II has already approved the selection of five companies that will present specific project solutions by autumn. The winner of the tender will be known in spring 2008.
    The costs of the entire project, which will result in new offices and apartments covering a total area of 275,000 square meters, are estimated at five to ten billion euros (140 to 280 billion crowns).
    The competition received submissions from 16 companies. Ultimately, the French Vinci, three groups based in Monte Carlo (Monte Carlo Sea Land, Monte Carlo Development Company, and Fonciere Maritime SAM), and the Qatari group Barwa were selected. The preparation of the proposal will cost each of them about 15 million euros, which will go to their accounts.
    Some of the world's most famous architects will be involved in the projects. At Fonciere Maritime SAM, for example, is Canadian Frank Gehry, who gained fame with the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, and Dutchman Rem Koolhaas. American Daniel Libeskind, the designer of the reconstruction project for the site of the former New York "twin towers" destroyed in 2001, collaborates with the Monte Carlo Sea Land group, while the famous British architect Norman Foster works with the Monte Carlo Development Company. Upon Prince Albert’s request, he is also working on a project for a new monaco yacht club.
    The projects must meet urban, architectural, and ecological requirements and ensure the preservation of Monaco’s current character.
    The expansion was necessitated by the continuing growth of the population. Over the past 40 years, it has increased by a third to the current 32,500 and is expected to reach nearly 38,000 by 2010.
    This is already the second phase of Monaco's expansion into the sea. Since the 1980s, the principality has gained 20 hectares. In a promotional brochure, it humorously states that it is the only state in the world that has expanded to such an extent using peaceful means.