Building the City of the Future?

 

 

The Cities of the Future 

After watching a thought-provoking film, I contemplated a somewhat dystopian vision. Interestingly, I noticed Coruscant being depicted in a favorable light, which sparked my thoughts on what I refer to as "The Cult of the Engineer."

This led me to reflect on the future of urban living. Canada is currently facing a housing market crisis. Since the era of Chretien, there has been an ongoing struggle between those needing housing and homeowners considering their property retirement investments.

To tackle this issue, we need to rethink our approach to housing as a means of expansion. Focusing on my cherished Alberta, it's evident that skilled labor is at an all-time low.

Alberta Labor Stretched Thin in the Trades. 

I'm convinced that modular and prefabricated housing could be the solution. Imagine constructing housing units like building blocks, possibly using shipping containers, and distributing them to needy areas. For larger residences, you combine units—two for a larger house, four for a two-story building, or fifty for an apartment complex designed around an elevator. This method would drastically reduce construction time and ensure consistency in quality through factory monitoring.

Drawing from personal experience, having spent part of my youth on a farm in Alberta—a region known for its harsh environment—here are some of my ideas:

Sod Housing: 

Though I wouldn’t prefer to live in one, our climate, ranging from -30 to +30 degrees Celsius, demands exceptional insulation. Burying homes or constructing artificial dwellings, reminiscent of modern Hobbit homes, could provide better thermal stability.

Tree Walls: 

In many rural areas, evergreen trees often encircle farms. Beyond their environmental benefits, these trees act as wind barriers, mitigating cold temperatures. Designing communities with a treed perimeter and urban courtyards could enhance livability and comfort.

Greenhouses: 

My grandfather successfully grew produce year-round in an unheated greenhouse. This concept could be evolved, incorporating heated spaces that would allow for local community gardens. Combined with modular housing, this would make it easier to withstand weather extremes.  Build it in top of your Hobbit house to add a layer of air insulation, even if you don't end up using it for growing.

I’m eager to hear your thoughts and ideas about potential cities based on local needs and concerns. What works, what doesn’t, and how can we improve these concepts?