The BLDGBLOG Book by Geoff Manaugh introduces us to speculation about future architecture and how the present built environment will eventually change. From the first page of the book, the reader gets an idea of what he is about to read as he is presented an illustration of London in A.D. 2109. London seems like Venice, divided into island fortresses with two extra artificial river Thames.
In Chapter 3, “Redesigning the Sky,” Geoff Manaugh supports that we can use natural phenomena to our advantage with the help of architecture and urban design. Consequently, it will be possible to redefine our cities so that they become more beautiful, interesting, attractive and safe from extreme weather conditions.
How can we be protected from extreme weather conditions? According to Manough, if an “offshore geotechnical” project was built in the future that would “redirect high-speed tropical winds,” then maybe we wouldn’t have to worry about hurricanes or tornadoes again.
However, in addition to the personal, architectural and engineering benefits gained from the utilization of natural phenomena, weather can be used for military purposes too. To prevent this from happening the Environmental Modification Convention was signed in 1977, which prohibits any weather warfare.
We can learn more about the fascinating future of architecture and the possibilities regarding urban planning from the BLDGBLOG and twitter account.
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