Bingkun Liu
Syncropocene: Floating on 2123
The human fascination with predicting the future has propelled the continuous evolution of urban theories across history. From ancient civilizations conceiving utopian cities to contemporary urban planners exploring innovative concepts, the aspiration to mold our environment to accommodate forthcoming needs and challenges has remained steadfast. Notably, the visionary ideas of architectural pioneers like Archigram have played a pivotal role in shaping our urban imaginations. As we navigate the crossroads of a swiftly changing world, where escalating global warming and rising sea levels imperil the very foundations of traditional cities, a novel perspective arises - an imaginative outlook on floating cities in the future.
This thesis critically delves into the trajectory of urban theories, meticulously examining how the fusion of historical wisdom and modern insights has birthed the concept of floating cities as a compelling and pragmatic response to the predicaments of tomorrow's urban landscapes.
The central focus of this thesis revolves around the exploration of designing floating cities empowered by artificial intelligence, strategically tailored to address the complex challenges posed by escalating global warming and the resultant rise in sea levels. The core proposition of this design is to envision a plausible future where conventional land-bound cities become untenable, thereby necessitating human adaptation to the expansive ocean habitat. The foundation of this floating city design is deeply rooted in the resilience of human society and existing paradigms of urban development. In addition, urban design incorporates the famous urban planning theory of the 20th century - central place theory, which was proposed by German geographer Walter Christaller in 1933. , the vast ocean and the completely flat city system make this idealized theory a reality?
This conceptual design endeavors to achieve two key objectives. Firstly, it seeks to anticipate and prognosticate the potential ramifications of such a future scenario, encompassing elements such as the ecosystem, political systems, and daily lives of the inhabitants in these aquatic metropolises. A novel social architecture, driven by contemporary advancements and the potential of AI technologies, is envisaged to not only facilitate the buoyancy of cities on water but also to orchestrate their efficient functionality.
Secondly, this thesis delves into the realm of historical lessons when faced with the necessity of overhauling existing systems and lifestyles due to climate-related factors. It explores the possibilities of creating architectural constructs akin to seafaring vessels and challenges the boundaries of the central place theory in the context of the expansive sea. This exploration even touches upon the futuristic visions of Archigram's walking cities. By merging these disparate doctrines, the thesis envisions the eventual manifestation of our future cities.
The culmination of this comprehensive worldview is encapsulated in a short film, a microcosm within the macrocosm. The film serves a dual purpose. Primarily, it dissects the impact of climate change on our existing urbanism, prompting viewers to reevaluate established cities, structures, and governance frameworks. It underscores the adaptability of human culture and the emergence of novel urban paradigms rooted in rising sea levels and aquatic urbanity. Furthermore, the film underscores the significance of technology, particularly artificial intelligence, in shaping our trajectory. It beckons viewers to acknowledge the symbiotic relationship between AI and governance, illustrating the positive prospects of harmonious coexistence and the potential pitfalls of excessive control and apprehension concerning AI's potential.
In essence, this thesis weaves a tapestry of a future wherein AI-powered floating cities emerge as a pragmatic solution to the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change and sea level rise. It provokes contemplation on the transformative potential of climate-driven shifts, the role of technology in shaping future urbanization, and the remarkable resilience of human culture as it navigates an ever-evolving world.
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