Call of the sea: new book reimagines the future of the Bajau Laut

A close-up detail the 'Bajautopia' book cover. It is part of a research project that aims to reflect on both the struggles and hopes of the Bajau Laut community in Sabah. Photo: Handout

Imagine a bustling microcity at sea, constructed on the hull of an abandoned ship. This parasitic architecture, evocative of dystopian films, could very well be the future of the Bajau Laut community in Sabah.

Or how about a boathouse that is powered not only by the wind and waves, but also serves as an ocean trash collector? A water school with no fixed classrooms next?