Based on the theoretical frameworks of diverse urban theorists, this project explored multiple dynamics between the metropolis, design, and technology within the context of the Anthropocene epoch and the rise of technology. The following lexicon was developed and graphically illustrated with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence, creating images that aim to cause a cognitive effect on the viewer. Multiple urban landscapes were intervened and blended with elements and textures to emphasize aspects of their designated concept.
Homework Economy
Capitalist organizational structure under which work conditions resemble jobs traditionally associated with women. These conditions include extreme vulnerability, exploitation, and subjection to inconsistent time arrangements.
The image is the result of multiple blending iterations between a city night landscape and a pink glitter texture, as it is an element traditionally used as a female representation. “A visual feminization of the urban”.
Climate Justice
Transformative movement that advocates for a transition to a post-carbon economy through systemic change in the political-economic structures that contribute to global power imbalances. It originated in the face of climate change and uneven social and spatial urban development and focuses on the rights of minority groups.
The image is the result of a blending between an iceberg landscape image and an aerial view of a street network. It represents the vulnerability inherent in the
urban amidst today’s climate crisis.
Simulacrum
State of near-perfect imitation that leaves little room for differentiation between the original and the copy. This type of replication has grown significantly, reaching identities across various domains and the world’s geography experiences, while rising questions on the nature of cultural forms.
The image is the result of multiple blending iterations between an aerial photograph of Teotihuacan, Mexico, and New York’s landscape. The cloned pyramids
represent the simulacrum imitations and the metropolitan landscape suggests an scenario where anything can be experimented vicariously.
Islandisation
Spatial strategy, framed under the Anthropocene as an urbicide approach, aims to break spatial-infrastructural systems from the networks and flows that
constitute and maintain planetary urbanisation. This proposal is grounded in the recognition that dependence on more extensive connections can lead to vulnerability when facing disasters, like climate change scenarios.
The image is the result of multiple blending iterations of the Miami water landscape with multiple islands and network connections images. It represents the fading spatial-infrastructural systems that link the city to Planetary Urbanisation as the city is re-imagined as a separate entity.
Techno-Scientific Innovation
Intentional process of implementing technology and scientific advancements to address reproductive, environmental, economic, and labor-related challenges, while involving gender minorities and challenging the exclusive interests of capital.
The image is the result of multiple blending iterations between a mountain urban landscape, a circuit network image and lightning pictures. It represents the impact of technology in the urban re-imagining under an inclusive, xenofeminist scenario and the blurred boundaries of the collective perception of what is natural and artificial.
Metropolitan Type
Metropolis dweller characterized by reacting rationally, being intellectually “free” when compared to small-town individuals, and being in constant pursuit of highly individualized forms of personal existence. Such characteristics are associated with an intensification of emotional life caused by rapid and continuous stimuli.
The image is the result of a blending process between an aerial crowd photograph and an image of Times Square in New York. The movement blur and bright coloring represent the timespace compression and high stimuli that metropolitan dwellers experiment.
References
- Homework Economy: DONNA HARAWAY, “CYBORG MANIFESTO”
- Climate Justice: KIAN GOH, “CLIMATE JUSTICE AND URBAN FUTURES”
- Simulacrum: DAVID HARVEY, “TIME-SPACE COMPRESSION AND THE POSTMODERN CONDITION”
- Islandisation: S. WAKEFIELD, ”CRITICAL URBAN THEORY IN THE ANTHROPOCENE”
- Techno-Scientific Innovation: LABORIA CUBONIKS, “XENOFEMINIST MANIFESTO”
- Metropolitan Type: GEORG SIMMEL, “METROPOLIS AND MENTAL LIFE”
