I’d like to see more architects engaging with the pointlessness of consumption, the removal from nature, binge drinking, career and financial success over health and lifestyle that urban living generally results in, and contrast that to people who make more modest lives for themselves in small villages and towns and work local, with close awareness of how much crap they consume and actually doing a lot of ‘non-consumption’ leisure. Why do we all blindly accept the post WW2 model that consumption is good because it drives the economy? Why do we all accept that GDP growth is the zenith of our attainment? That would be an interesting approach. This is so 1995, Richard Rogers; its been said before, and so much better. Hardly a critique. A bland one-liner with poor graphics, yes.

It seems the dude behind this 5 minute wonder couldn’t even be bothered to think up this own graphic style, let alone idea

What, it’s not okay to give a nod? Do you really think the author of this folly was unaware of Archigram, or was in any way trying to hide his inspiration? Projects such as these are an homage. It’s called respect. Get your head out of your bottom and kindly acquire a sense of humor.

Yes, many would love to live in the suburbs: the air is fresh and there is privacy. The point here is that the resources that have enabled this lifestyle are depleting. It’s fair to consider that electric cars or some other mode of transportation – or transformation of industry, as Mr. Kent suggests in remote working – may allow for the status quo to continue. But short of that, the costs associated with heat/energy/transport may exceed the market’s ability to bear it, and you could see a strong trend toward reurbanization. What will happen to the ruins of the suburbs then? No, it won’t be eaten by a giant robot. But such images cast light on the debate. Their ridiculousness underscores a very sober discussion.

http://www.teefonline.com/site/wp-content/ghost_in_the_shell-dented-tachikoma.jpg

now please excuse me while I change cyborg bodies

and then this ego driven project comes along and seals the deal.

I am no fan of the suburbs and the waste that they enshrine, but I am entirely convinced that this project will do, and most likely was designed to do, nothing more than draw attention to its designer.

Anyone who was serious about tackling our cities problems would spend less time drawing attention to the situation and more time seriously considering a way of bridging the gap and sincerely proposing a way forward.