Written by - Nicholas Varga
The Anthropocene is a geologic era stimulated by the rise of mankind subjugating changes to the world we reside in. This term has been used in scientific studies when studying ecology or scientific data. Recently this item has been coined as important when it draws to architecture. This term represents the impact that humanity has had on the planet in various forms. These different forms all play a crucial role in the various ways that people have altered the planet and life. The new categories for the design in the Anthropocene include; geology, climate change, ecology, politics, theory, and many more.
Climate change is a large factor in the Anthropocene definition due to that is exactly what Anthropocene is trying to iterate. Climate change plays a large and important role in the life we live presently. This phenomena affects the planet, nature, cities, wildlife, politics, theory, and much more. This is by far the most important category in that it addresses the other categories in some form or fashion. Climate change is at the mercy of human involvement. Humanity is slowly causing the climate to change and some of the change is irreversible and some must be presented against. This change has brought about carbon emissions and fossil fuels that are changing the way of life as we see it today. Temperatures are rising, sea levels increasing, pollution on the high, and a means to an end nowhere in sight.
This category largely affects architecture. With architecture, architects and designers must be able to thoroughly understand the changing climatic conditions and evaluate accordingly so that a structure can stand the testament of time and indifference. Architects must adapt and therefore must change certain principles that many have used for a long time. This includes certain theories. Many architects mass produce projects making designs quick with multiple variables. Although, some of the design process is lost in the speed trying to excel in swiftness rather than preciseness. With climate change on the rise, architects must make a slow approach to design by altering different theories by looking ahead towards potential possibilities and uncertainties of the future. People can then begin to adapt to the geologic change initiated by society.
Cyberpunk has already taught people what Anthropocene is trying to teach. Cyberpunk takes place in a future environment where technology is a ruling factor in the world. The dystopian society shows a dismal world in which society has become due to the conditions we live in currently. The present influenced a futuristic society where people’s lives are dreary. Cyberpunk is showing how people have continued to have a change on the world immensely in the future. There are flying cars and streets lined with technological advancements. Each machine made affects the environment in various ways and society as a whole is the main engine. Constantly producing more pollution than in the present time.
Although, not all Cyberpunk amenities relate to the impact of mankind. These ideas help relate to the idea of bettering society in ways people in the past could never have through technological advancements and worldbuilding. Cyberpunk offers a good side to the planet by using technology to help complete the tasks of humans and providing a means to use less energy.
The hyperloop is an advanced means of transportation that allows the user to transport themselves vast distances in a matter of seconds. This tech was inspired by Elon Musk and offered a solution to climate change can transportation. The technology was developed to offer a faster way for people to travel from place to place. The hyperloop also presented a green way of transportation by cutting carbon emissions from vehicles and preventing global warming. The hyperloop has a shuttle that can carry a group of people faster than a train and car in over half the time of a car or train.
The hyperloop, however, contributes to a green sustainable means of travel that is both beneficial to the environment and to the people. The hyperloop offers a clean source of transportation for the people and travels many miles reducing the pollution rate of the average automobile. In terms of the Anthropocene, it is reducing the impact people have on the environment. The hyperloop shows how the impact of human life can be reversed and returned in a positive factor that benefits the climate. The climate and the architecture in that region can evolve into a new form that shows a relationship between nature and technology.
References
Best SciFi Books. (2020). 23 Best Cyberpunk Books. The Best Sci Fi Books. http://best-sci-fi-books.com/
Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO). (2012). Anthropocene.
Welcome to the Anthropocene. http://www.anthropocene.info/.
Kobie, Nicole. (Jan. 11. 2018). Is Hyperloop Overhyped And Underlooped? Alphr. https://www.alphr.com/the-future/1008177/hyperloop-overhyped-underlooped/.
Nasa. (Nov. 10. 2020). The Effects of Climate Change. Facts. https://climate.nasa.gov/effects/
Walker-Emig,Paul. (2018). Neon and corporate dystopias: why does cyberpunk refuse to move on? The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/games/2018/oct/16/neon-corporate-dystopias-why-does-cyberpunk-refuse-move-on.
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