One solution that may resolve these issues is portable, biodegradable, modular buildings. These buildings, made of mushroom substrate or another biodegradable material, could serve multiple functions within the community. That they are made of biodegradable materials makes it so that the buildings have a limited lifespan, but that lifespan is regenerative and not wasteful. Next, the modularity of these buildings make them easy to shift with differing needs and fit within a variety of spaces. That they could be portable also allows the city to move them across communities as needed.
There are multiple functions these buildings could serve. They could be cultural centers that raise awareness of environmental and other community concerns. Artists can gather at these centers for performances and exhibitions on local issues. The buildings may also become miniature libraries on specific topics. They could perhaps carry books and other materials on local history and native resources. Outside of culture and education, the buildings could serve as specific resource centers, like food banks or temporary shelter for the unhoused population. That they are modular and portable makes it simple to move the shelter as the community itself shifts.
The idea that the buildings could shift leads us into the concept of a city with shifting infrastructure. A city built with a level of flexibility is more adaptive to changing communal and environmental needs than one built without. Imagine being able to move grocery stores closer to residential areas, or vice versa, to create a walkable city.
Current Experiments / Next Steps:
Currently, I’m drafting an agitprop poster for modular buildings made of mushroom substrate. Promoting these buildings will increase public awareness of infrastructure as an environmental issue.
Nutrient Exchange:
/ Modular Construction: A Housing Affordability Game-Changer?
“Modular construction is also starting to take off in greater Vancouver, BC. The city of Vancouver is halfway to its goal of building 600 temporary, low-cost, modular homes for homeless individuals and families. These include kitchenettes, private bathrooms, and rent for BC’s standard social assistance shelter rate of $375 a month. Unlike standard affordable housing, which may take two to three years to build, though, these modular units can typically be installed and occupied in 90 days.”
/ What is flexible infrastructure? (And why we need more of it)
“Inflexible infrastructure is static. It can’t change. Flexible infrastructure on the other hand, is infrastructure that can adapt to low probability, high impact events like a pandemic either by adapting to the change in demand or by providing alternative use case options.”
/ The Flexible City
“It is predicted that over the next year, intelligent building management, underpinned by flexible design principles will be increasingly used to create spaces that can utilise this extra capacity. For example, a space that is used as a café in the morning might become a co-working space in the day, and a bar or community events space in the evening. Parking used by residents at night might be adapted for commercial users during the day. This flexible use of such spaces helps activate neighbourhoods throughout the day, week and year, enhancing placemaking and creating a more vibrant, safer and inviting neighbourhood.”
/ Travelling Theatre
/ Littlefreelibrary.org
I’m a multidisciplinary graphic designer interested in environmentalism; my work is often in conversation with local flora and fauna.
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“Infrastructure has a huge impact on Los Angeles’ environment–rethinking how we build and what buildings can be used for can create possibilities for a greener future.” - CM