In the realm of urban theory, navigating through dense academic papers and theoretical frameworks can often feel like traversing uncharted territory. The intricacies of language and abstract concepts can obscure the underlying essence, leaving many grappling for clarity. However, in the age of artificial intelligence, I have embarked on a groundbreaking journey to decode the complexities of urban theory and reshape my understanding of urban landscapes.
My project, Tessellation Urbanism, represents a convergence of AI technology, personal insight, and creative expression, aimed at shedding light on the context of urban theory in a more accessible and engaging manner. Through the innovative use of ChatGPT—an advanced language model—I synthesize text from scholarly papers and theoretical frameworks, extracting key definitions and unraveling the intricate web of urban concepts. By immersing myself in excerpt contexts, I harness the power of AI to bridge the gap between scholarly discourse and human comprehension, providing clarity and insight into the nuances of urban theory.
But my journey doesn’t end with text. I venture into the visual realm with Midjourney, a revolutionary tool that breathes life into abstract concepts through imagery. Employing blending techniques, I merge the core ideas of selected words with territorial landscape images, crafting captivating visuals that transcend conventional perception. What initially appears as a realistic photograph soon reveals itself as an AI-generated creation—a harmonious blend of theory and imagination that challenges the boundaries of perception.
Furthermore, this project transcends mere decoding of urban theory in isolation; it represents a collaborative endeavor that integrates diverse perspectives and strategies from various theoretical frameworks, alongside colleagues. Together, we engage in an exploration of different lenses to identify current ‘problems,’ discern ‘results,’ and my part is to collectively devise ‘alternative responses’ to urban challenges.
ISLANDISATION
An urbicidal Anthropocene strategy, involves creating a self-sufficient territory by disconnecting from networks amidst planetary urbanization, challenging frameworks, and demolishing vulnerable urban structures preemptively.
Three visuals are created using satellite, aerial, and perspective images from the paper. They blend to showcase “ISLANDISATION” as a response to future climates. Miami’s backdrop merges with extreme flooding, transforming the city into self-sufficient islands pre-capitalism. Abstract soil patterns representing the Anthropocene integrate with Stiltsville imagery, depicting a self-sufficient floating
community.
COUNTERPLANS
A resilience initiatives, diverge from mainstream plans by offering alternative narratives environmental plans, resisting hegemonic urban systems. Grassroots design activism empowers communities, revealing sociopolitical dynamics in climate responses. Evaluation weighs feasibility, effectiveness, and impacts, reflecting complex interplay of social, political, and environmental factors.
Using satellite, aerial, and perspective images, three visuals are crafted, blending to illustrate “COUNTERPLANS” as alternative strategies. Rotterdam
serves as a backdrop, showcasing water management plans. The blend incorporates abstract reservoir patterns representing the Anthropocene and water retention functions at various scales. Advanced visualization techniques, such as satellite or future sensors, convey a compelling narrative of climate adaptation.
SELF-PRESERVATION
The instinctive drive for personal freedom in metropolis. It often limiting individual growth and essential in emerging communities. It involves setting boundaries and maintaining unity but opposes assimilation into societal mechanisms. ‘SELFPRESERVATION’ fundamentally protecting one’s life and shaping personality adaptation.
Utilizing a blending technique, “SELFPRESERVATION” is depicted in Hong Kong’s bustling metropolis, epitomizing capitalist urbanity. It intertwines the low-density landscape with imagery of skyscrapers adorned with illusionary patterns, offering a hypothetical scenario where people can escape urban stressors in a capitalist metropolis. Advanced visualization techniques accentuate the concept, capturing the intricate essence of the photograph.
ECLECTICISM
The practice of selectively blending diverse images, eras, and cultures, thus blurring distinctions, and fostering organic diversity. It challenges conventional boundaries in cultural expression, particularly evident in urban areas. This phenomenon also finds reflection in the exploration of
diverse realms within postmodern fiction.
Utilizing a blending technique, “ECLECTICISM” showcases architectural marvels like La Sagrada Familia, embodying multiculturalism in future cities. It intertwines aerial views of high density skyscraper cities to highlight their contrast and uniqueness. Advanced visualization techniques, including grain and texture, accentuate the concept, capturing the intricate essence of the photograph.
CYBORG
An entity that challenges identities, promotes fluidity, reshapes understanding, fosters equality, and empowers through technology. Embracing fluidity, it redefines beyond binaries, enabling women to assert agency in a tech-mediated world. Encouraging innovation, it reshapes our relationship with technology.
Using a blending technique, the ‘CYBORG’ concept integrates a cyborg city by blending organic forms reminiscent of ancient cities and Anthropocene landscapes with grid infrastructure and machines, symbolized by symmetrical and grid-based future infrastructure. Gender
equality is emphasized through contrasting colors and patterns. Incorporating the texture of Mars adds to the perception of desert landscapes.
INSURGENT MEMEPLEX
A collective phenomenon integral to Xenofeminism, confronts capitalism, and uniting diverse insurgencies for universal societal change. It champions inclusivity, advocating for a space of freedom where everyone participates in genuine social transformation. This pursuit demands persistence, and collective effort, essential for genuine social change.
Blending in ‘INSURGENT MEMEPLEX’ merges a futuristic city skyline, symbolizing a male-dominated urban landscape, with planetary textures, signifying liberation from traditional constraints. Ultrasound film imagery adds the concept of a new city born from Mother Earth, offering freedom, gender equality, and creative potential.
In conclusion, my project goes beyond mere exploration; it is a testament to the transformative power of AI, personal insight, and creative expression. By intertwining text synthesis, visual representation, and interdisciplinary collaboration, I invite you to embark on a journey of discovery—a journey that transcends the confines of traditional academia and paves the way for a more inclusive and visionary approach to understanding urban theory.
References:
- ISLANDISATION: S. Wakefield, “Critical Urban Theory in the Anthropocene”
- COUNTERPLANS: Kian Goh, “Climate Justice and Urban Futures”
- SELF-PRESERVATION: Georg Simmel, “Metropolis and Mental Life”
- ECLECTICISM: David Harvey, “Time-Space Compression and the Postmodern Condition”
- CYBORG: David Harvey, Donna Haraway, “Cyborg Manifesto”
- INSURGENT MEMEPLEX: Laboria Cuboniks, “Xenofeminist Manifesto”
