Definition
The anthropocene represents the geological era we are living in. Although it is only a proposed geological epoch, it is one that makes sense to have. The anthropocene is viewed as the period in which human activity has been the dominant influence on climate and the environment, the age of mankind. The consequences of said influence include the chemical composition of the atmosphere, our oceans and soils, and extinctions of animals.
Architecture
As we know, architecture plays an important role in the era, as it can be the turning point in transforming how humans are acting. This species has caused a significant amount of change in
the world. Designers have a big role to play in this world because we can choose to either help construct or destroy it even more. Our bad choices have helped create many problems, such as global warming, air pollution, loss of natural resources, and landfill wastes; so it is always very important for us to make the right decisions. If we do not, we risk having to reconstruct a whole new form of design and a whole new way of thinking and living on this planet.
New design
With designing in the anthropocene comes issues. The first step always is to agree that there is a problem, because denying the problem is not going to get us anywhere near constructive solutions. Environmental effectiveness is vital. Economic efficiency is similarly important. Achieving the environmental goal is like building a train to the proper station. That’s clearly the foremost important step. Economic efficiency is akin to building the fastest possible train. Just being fast doesn’t help, if the journey goes in the wrong direction. But efficiency implies that one can get to the same goal at a lower cost, or at the same one.
Cyberpunk
Cyberpunk is defined by Oxford Languages as a subgenre of science fiction set in a lawless subculture of an oppressive society dominated by computer technology. In this case, it helps us better visualize the post-anthropocene era. Life after humans have adapted to climate change and other changes of the future. Cyberpunk has taught us a lot about the anthropocene. It has opened humans’ eyes to our harmful actions, and to what our future will look like at this rate.
Hyperloop
The hyperloop, an ultra--high-speed ground transportation system proposed by Elon Musk, can be a step in the right direction, as it is set to run on sustainable technology. Its futuristic technology will help reduce pollution from vehicles, and inspire new ideas for environmentally friendly design. If we keep making and funding decisions that will better our environment, not only as designers but as humans, future generations will be able to live healthier lives on our planet.
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