Google barges to sport innovative architecture

While the speculation over two mystery barges off the opposite coasts of the US is over, little is known about the shape that the structures would take.

According to commentators, if an artist's rendering was to truly correspond to the final shape of the things to come, then there would be something truly eye-catching and majestic when Google was finally done.

Though Google has not yet offered any clear explanation of what the barges are meant for,  it had said that they were being considered for use as an interactive space for educating people about technology, a traveling tech exhibit or museum. (See: Google takes the lid off mystery barge)

In fact, the barge had been associated with Google X, and could just about be anything technology-related under the sun, according to commentators.

It could also just be a showroom and an exotic place for Google to hold press conferences. So while it was known that  Google was, indeed, in charge, the exact purpose of the floating buildings is for all purposes still open to speculation.

Meanwhile,  a mysterious company said to be associated with Google, has submitted documents to the Port of San Francisco that in addition to shedding a bit more light on the structure also includes a rendition of what the final product might look like.

Currently, the barges are topped with nothing but shipping containers, but, when the work is completed, they would be flanked by sails that give off an imposing aquatic personality to serve as a reminder to visitors of its seaworthiness.

Meanwhile, the San Francisco Chronicle has obtained documents through the Freedom of Information Act that describe an "unprecedented artistic structure" built from recycled shipping containers with collapsible sails "reminiscent of fish fins, which will remind visitors that they are on a seaworthy vessel."

The barges would also host 1,000 visitors a day, docking at ports in San Francisco, Fort Mason, Redwood City and at the Riveter Historical National Park in Richmond. On board, an exhibition area would be used for "local organisations to engage with guests and gain visibility in a unique way."

Although this statements come from paperwork filed by a firm called By and Large LLC, they correspond closely with what Google said earlier this week. According to Google, it was "exploring using the barge as an interactive space where people can learn about new technology."

The plan however seems to be in the early stages, according to the Port of San Francisco, which says the documents form part of a preliminary proposal.

It seems that Google would still need to obtain some permits before it could finish the sea-bound showroom, and the documents promise it would be a sight to see in the end.

"The artistic structure combines innovative architecture with a bit of nautical whimsy," it says. "The structure will stand out."