Arcologies and Reality

[roseembolism]

So, I was doing a Google search of arcologies to look for ideas for Under the Green Moon, and I came across this quote by Paolo Soleri, the inventor of the Arcology concept.

"The problem I am confronting is the present design of cities only a few stories high, stretching outward in unwieldy sprawl for miles. As a result of their sprawl, they literally transform the earth, turn farms into parking lots and waste enormous amounts of time and energy transporting people, goods and services over their expanses."

I have to wonder if he considered that one of the main reasons cities are designed the way they are is the limitations of technology. A whole host of practical problems, ranging from load bearing architecture, to steel quality, to elevator technology had to be solved to make buildings above 10 stories feasible. And even for modern skyscrapers, the technology of elements like elevators and plumbing limit their convenience and utility beyond a certain height.

I suppose if there's an actual point here, its that there's a huge gap between interesting designs on paper, and actual physical accomplishment, and in the process, accommodations have to be made with reality.

Comments

Part the first of my thoughts

[racerxmachina.livejournal.com]

I was treated to an email sent by a coworker who works a floor down from me in our 4-story building. I work in the fourth floor. The email, addressed to my boss, is a very angry rant about Human Resources issuing checks only to certain authorized staff, which makes my coworker have to leave her desk, go downstairs, and walk a city block and back, sometimes as much as twice a week. My boss asked me if I too found it was a problem.
“I like walking. I like getting up and stretching and taking a break. It’s nice outside. Also, I like seeing my friends in HR.”
I’m really worried that I might be in the minority here.
I’m concerned that with as much access to online social networks as we have, coupled with elevators and other ideas designed to limit the overland hauling of our own fat butts that arcologies seem to espouse, we’d have some serious WALL-E problems with social and physical mobility.

Re: Part the first of my thoughts

[roseembolism.livejournal.com]

Well, one of the major advantages cited by the designers of having a city in a building was having nature close by, as well as extensive promenades. However, as you mentioned earlier, there's linear distance, and "elevator" distance.

I think part of the situation may be the emphasis on going to the gym and doing specific "sculpting" exercises, rather than braving the outdoors with its pollen, wild animals and strange people. Also, there's always the intarwebs to blame.