Two massive barges, one in Portland, Maine and another in San Francisco, California, have been the topic of rumour since it was revealed that Google owned them both. In fact, it now appears that there are four of them in all. Speculation suggested that they could be floating data centers that would use ocean water to stay cool or even even floating luxury showrooms for Google products such as Google Glass. The truth may not be quite as exciting or glamorous.
In a statement to TechCrunch, a Google spokesperson finally revealed the mystery of the floating barges:
Google Barge … A floating data center? A wild party boat? A barge housing the last remaining dinosaur? Sadly, none of the above. Although it’s still early days and things may change, we’re exploring using the barge as an interactive space where people can learn about new technology.
According to the description found on a lease document, the purpose of the barges is the “fabrication of a special event structure and art exhibit only and for no other purpose.”
The project is apparently part of the experimental Google[x] labs. Shipping containers, with windows reportedly cut into them, have been been stacked on the barges. They are designed to be portable and Google could easily move them from location to location and even rearrange the containers to accomodate different exhibits.
Perhaps the truth is not as glamorous as the speculation but I suspect that with Google behind the project, there could still be quite a bit of wow in these floating, interactive spaces.
Source : TechCrunch