City Hall

		This is the Aqua-Metropolis City Hall. It is shown immediately following construction, prior to its deployment under the ocean. The architects originally modeled the facade after St. Marks Cathedral in Venice, but turmoil among various political factions kept pulling the style in different directions. Stone facing in each of the bays was replaced by windows to admit more light. Dome shaped ceiling pieces were added to provide more excitement. The final look is more reminiscent of French Neo-Classicism combined with Aquazone modernism. The front is graced with multiple, external arches. Aesthetically, these arches are intended to look like the backbone of two enormous sea creatures parting to reveal the entrance. From a functional standpoint, these arches serve to distribute water throughout the entire building. Fresh water is brought in through the large array of yellow pipes in the very front. The water is eventually expelled through the black pipes on the corners of the structure.

Inside the main central dome, it is possible to see the emergency escape sub. In the event of an earthquake or other emergency, explosive bolts blow the central dome off and the sub can be used to speed the mayor to safety. On the side of the building are special heat-exchange windows. The outer layer of these windows is tinted blue. This tint allows light through but keeps the heat in. The inner layer is clear (difficult to see in the picture). Between the two layers, a special heat-exchange liquid is circulated. This keeps the building cozy and warm, even in the depths of the cold sea.

		This detail view shows the front facade. The mayor is standing in the bottom, center of the photograph, with the clear-blue mask.