The Futureproof Series.
Postcards
From the Future.
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Futureproof Series
Postcards From the Future
As part of designbivouac’s Futureproof Series, this collection offers a set of visual explorations and concise narratives designed to spark conversation, challenge assumptions, and inspire strategic thinking about what lies ahead.
“Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life’s coming attractions.”
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Methodology
Futurecasting is a creative process where designers explore various social, cultural, economic, political, and ecological factors to envision potential futures. Rather than predicting the future with certainty, futurecasting focuses on imagining possible and preferable scenarios that inform long-term strategies. It helps businesses understand the forces shaping the future, anticipate changes, and create proactive strategies. Preferable futures align technology with human needs while ensuring sustainability from a planetary perspective.
“The best way to predict the future is to design it.”
Frameworks
The Futureproof: Postcards From the Future series draws on frameworks, such as Joseph Voros’s Futures Cone and backcasting, to guide its exploration. By working backward from a desirable future state to our current reality, backcasting helps identify the necessary conditions to achieve a preferred vision. The aim is to encourage thoughtful consideration of our shared future and inspire active participation in shaping it.
Visual and Narrative Approach
The series' visual approach integrates AI tools into the creative process, blending visuals with written narratives that evolve organically as each postcard from the future takes form. The series is designed to inspire deeper reflection on the necessary actions to make our collective preferred future a reality.
The 21st Century Land Grants
After overcoming the economic and political fallout of the 2020 Global Pandemic, the United States government and several enlightened billionaires came together to fund the 21st Century Land Grant program. The goal was to improve land quality in the Western states, alleviate homelessness, raise living standards for those in agriculture, and foster a new and widespread American organic farm movement.
Future Narrative
After overcoming the economic and political fallout of the 2020 Global Pandemic, the United States government and several enlightened billionaires came together to fund the 21st Century Land Grant program. The goal was to improve land quality in the Western states, alleviate homelessness, raise living standards for agricultural workers, and foster a new and widespread American organic farming movement.
The Sheridan family’s 21st Century Land Grant, located just east of Mono Lake, California, was one of the first “drop and prop” housing designs placed on a central piling and “V” shaped foundation to minimize environmental impact.
Before the 21st Century Land Grant Program was adopted in the United States, the post-pandemic politics of fear, divisiveness, and grifting had been exposed. Nothing was being produced, but more money for the wealthiest billionaires. California and neighboring states were the first to see tangible progress. California had the foresight to couple the Land Grant Program with the completion of the State Water Project, which had started in the 1960s and 1970s but was only half the size of the original project plan. The State’s completed water project network included a new “capillary system.” Fed by an extensive network of new reservoirs and waterways, the dense water network ensured deep storage reserves of seasonal rainfall and snow runoff.
Before the system was completed, excess water resources flowed unimpeded into the Pacific Ocean. Within 10 years of the water system’s completion, fundamental differences in land quality across California were visible. Once the arid land was transformed, it began supporting small-scale farming. Coupled with the 21st Century Land Grant initiative, California ensured that the State Water Project would interweave with the land granted to those who would sustainably work the land. Success in other states followed, but on a smaller scale.
The Jensen plot was one of the first minimal structures placed on 21st-century Land Grant land. These modest yet efficient accommodations provide shelter, comfort, and connectivity for the owners who work the surrounding 40-acre plot.
Similar to the G.I. Bill extended to veterans of World War II, citizens could qualify for low-interest loans for 40-acre or 80-acre lots with guaranteed water rights. The only provisions were that grantees would assist with building their homes from certified modular factory-built home kits and agree to tend the land for at least 10 years. What sprang up was a latticework of mutually supporting small farmers like those seen during the great Western migration over two centuries earlier.
Companies producing modern and efficient kit homes that could easily be transported or airdropped to new land grant sites made healthy profits that they reinvested in their businesses as the demand for their “new homestead” housing boomed. New Land Grant Owners (or “New Landers” as they came to be known) and their efficient homes referred to as “Drop and Props” were connected by the timely, widespread availability of affordable 2-4 person Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (EVTOL) craft. This form of transportation drastically reduced transit times on the new frontier. Traveling “as the crow flies” was now possible, and neighbors with hundreds of acres of farmland between them were just minutes away from each other.
The Montreat family's windmills, which they service, provide additional income and enhance the comfort of their 80-acre 21st-century Land Grant location in Christmas Valley, Oregon.
The area around California’s Mono Lake, east of the Sierras, before the New California Water Project additions were completed.
The area around California’s Mono Lake, east of the Sierras, 10 years after the completion of the New California Water Project additions.
With plentiful clean water, crops, renewable energy, and satellite connectivity available, the 21st-century Land Grant arguably had an even more significant impact on the United States than the original land grant programs. While ensuring that plenty of wildlands remained across the United States, this new era of peace and prosperity, which was universally enjoyed, ultimately freed humankind to look to the stars again with renewed vigor for exploration.
Futureproof is a series of occasional provocations illustrating possible future paths for technology and culture. Think postcards from the future.
Next Generation Building Inspection
Megaprojects like the intercontinental high-speed rail system, urban environmental hardening, and coastal region retrenchment placed extreme demands on the industry. As a result, humans worked closely with an increasing variety of robotic counterparts, introducing new construction integrity challenges. New inspection methods were developed for all stages of construction.
Future Narrative
Megaprojects, such as the intercontinental high-speed rail system, urban environmental hardening, and coastal region retrenchment, placed extreme demands on the industry. As a result, humans worked closely with an increasing variety of robotic counterparts, introducing new challenges to construction integrity. New inspection methods were developed for all stages of the construction process.
New Pacific Gate Harbor site inspector Kate Kimmon uses a Yutani MASID-64 Multispectrum Acoustic Structural Inspection Device) to inspect new construction in Los Angeles, California.
New construction approaches, including 3D printing and robotically interlaced rebar-reinforced concrete, improved the strength of structures. A new generation of structural inspectors supported this wave of innovative and efficient building techniques. These guardians of safety utilized new technology to examine the inner structure of elements. Yutani’s MASID-64 Multispectrum Acoustic Structural Inspection Devices empowered structural inspectors to effectively see through all layers of a structure, ensuring the integrity of increasingly automated construction methods.
This is a typical view highlighting structural rebar as seen through a Yutani (Structural Viewing Device). Inspectors can view inside building structural elements up to 10 feet thick.
This view highlights areas that need closer inspection. Structural engineers using MASIDs have ensured the integrity of hundreds of thousands of structures.
Early Signals
“Just Print It” Blog entry on designbivouac charting the advancement of 3D printed homes.
Futureproof is a series of occasional provocations illustrating possible future paths for technology and culture. Think postcards from the future.
Vertical Environmental Retrenchment
As sea levels rose, coastal cities developed various environmental retrenchment strategies. Some mandated a gradual drawdown of development in areas most at risk. Others hardened infrastructure and developed megaprojects to manage storm surges and keep the rising sea at bay. A few cities approved vertical retrenchment strategies.
Future Narrative
As sea levels rose, coastal cities developed various environmental retrenchment strategies. Some mandated a gradual drawdown of development in areas most at risk. Others hardened infrastructure and developed megaprojects to manage storm surges and keep the rising sea at bay. A few cities approved vertical retrenchment strategies.
As rising seas redrew the boundaries between land and water, a radical new approach to urban adaptation emerged: vertical retrenchment. High-rise owners, facing the encroachment of the tides, were often compelled to collaborate, banding together to create elevated, shared “ground” levels far above the original street plane.
In this process, the lower floors of buildings—once bustling with lobbies, shops, and cafes—were deliberately sacrificed. These spaces became part of the submerged past, traded for long-term resilience. In their place, massive pilings were driven deep into the earth, anchoring structures with newfound strength and raising entire city blocks above projected future sea levels.
The result was a new urban fabric—promenades in the sky, where pedestrians moved above the waterline, navigating a layered metropolis shaped as much by climate as by design. It was an act of architectural survival and collective foresight—an upward migration that redefined what it meant to live on solid ground.
Elevated promenades connect complexes to higher inland areas.
Lower floors are repurposed as “ground” floors rise.
Some complexes repurposed lower floors as snorkeling havens. Aerial and marine ferries and a network of elevated causeways linked the complexes to higher mainland areas. Ensuring that building foundations and underwater utility connections remained in top condition took a toll on the finances of many cities.
Grand Vista Complex circa 2024.
Grand Vista Complex after hurricane Shelton.
Grand Vista Complex after Category 5 hurricane Hammond.
Coastal city hurricane storm surge and sea barriers resemble fortress walls from the medieval era and elevated highways define new ground floor levels for cities along coastal areas worldwide.
Larger cities dealt with rising seas by providing elevated green spaces along their peripheries. Others built extensive networks of stormwater storage and pumping facilities. A few cities had to take more drastic measures by walling off their dense downtown areas to protect them from hurricane storm surges, persistent water inundation, and rising sea levels. Massive seawall foundations replaced the lower floors of buildings, and the outer periphery of streets terminated with massive seawalls.
Collins Avenue in Miami’s tidal district during a king tide event. Some older structures in the city were demolished to create coral reef barriers as additional protection from hurricane storm surges.
Unfortunately, for some municipalities where finances were stretched thin, they were forced to sacrifice entire sections of developed areas to the rising sea. Some contracted explosive demolition services to strip and drop older buildings, providing a modest level of additional protection from hurricane storm surge and wave action. As a further testament to the power of nature, marine life thrived with the creation of new coral barriers.
Futureproof is a series of occasional provocations illustrating possible future paths for technology and culture. Think postcards from the future.
Futureproof: Protective Acoustic Wave
The war in Ukraine made the importance of drone and artillery defense clear to everyone. A groundbreaking technology emerged, leveraging acoustic wave energy and microwave energy (A.W.E.M.E) to create planar barriers to protect troops from frontal or overhead attacks. Today, a downscaled version known commercially as the SoundSentinel™, safeguards crops from insects.
Future Narrative
The war in Ukraine made the importance of drone and artillery defense clear to everyone. A groundbreaking planar wave technology emerged, leveraging acoustic wave energy and microwave emissions (A.W.E.M.E) to create barriers and protect troops from frontal or overhead attacks. Today, a downscaled version known commercially as the SoundSentinel™ safeguards crops from insects. Like bug zappers from years ago, the planar wave resonance eliminates specific pests as they pass over crops in the field.
In the agricultural sector, this acoustic barrier technology represents a significant advancement in pest control. Chemical pesticides or physical nets can harm the environment and are labor-intensive. Planar wave technology offers a sustainable and maintenance-free alternative. Applying tuned acoustic waves and microwaves to target specific insect species effectively eliminates pests from crops without harming beneficial insects or the surrounding ecosystem. This precise targeting reduces crop damage and increases yield, contributing to more efficient and eco-friendly farming practices.
In military applications, protective planar wave systems are stronger, sometimes leading to the acoustic capturing of smoke and flames, making the barrier temporarily visible. The invisibility of the protective barrier can be restored by briefly cycling the system and allowing smoke and flames to dissipate.
As with many technologies, acoustic and microwave barriers were developed in response to the intense need to protect troops in conflict. The technology then found its way into commercial agricultural applications. When deployed around a base, convoy, or troop formation, planar wave technology projects a plane of high-frequency sound and microwaves that disrupt incoming drones or ordinance. Multiple protective barriers can be deployed horizontally or vertically at various distances, providing full coverage for troops in the field. Forces can integrate planar wave technology into existing infrastructure or deploy it using power provided by armored vehicles that move with infantry units across the battle space, thus providing flexible and robust protection in various combat scenarios.
Refinements of protective acoustic barriers included projecting laser visual indicators that reflected off of trapped particulates within the acoustic barrier to aid troops in identifying the position of A.W.E.M.E. Mark II systems.
Early military planar wave barriers were so strong that, depending on environmental conditions, they sometimes spawned fires. As a result, troops referred to the A.W.E.M.E. Mark I system as the “Gates of Hell.”
Implications
The versatility of this acoustic barrier technology lies in its ability to be finely tuned to specific frequencies and intensities, ensuring optimal effectiveness for various applications. As research and development continue, we can anticipate further enhancements, such as integrating artificial intelligence to dynamically adjust sound parameters based on real-time threats or pest behavior. This fusion of acoustic engineering and advanced algorithms promises to revolutionize military defense and agricultural protection, marking a significant leap forward in the use of non-lethal defense and sustainable crop technologies. However, the health of those using this technology must be safeguarded, and we must avoid unintended consequences such as additional noise pollution or interference with wildlife across wide green spaces.
Futureproof is a series of occasional provocations illustrating possible future paths for technology and culture. Think postcards from the future.
Futureproof: Roadside Cleanup Crews
I remember driving with my dad and occasionally passing by groups of those convicted of minor offenses serving their community service hours on a roadside cleanup crew. Back then, small groups wore hi-vis vests, carried trash bags, and picked up garbage along the roadways. A van or bus with a supervisor was somewhere nearby. That scene is very different today.
Future Narrative
I remember driving with my dad and occasionally passing by groups of those convicted of minor offenses serving their community service hours on a roadside cleanup crew. Back then, small groups wore hi-vis vests, carried trash bags, and picked up garbage along the roadways. A van or bus with a supervisor was somewhere nearby. That scene is very different today.
Things changed when we started to militarize law enforcement. It happened slowly yet intentionally. To save money, defense forces made obsolete MRAPS and other war vehicles available to police agencies at giveaway prices. These intimidating vehicles are now a part of our communities. Bakersfield resembles a war-torn Baghdad from a bygone era. Prisons are big business today, too. The prison is now the county's third-largest employer.
We also turned our backs on the climate accords and eliminated many environmental regulations that held corporations and individuals responsible for polluting. As a result, over the last 20 years, temperatures and the piles of trash along our roadways have continued to rise. Outdoor work crews must now be equipped with some form of cooling apparatus during the summer months. The garbage they come into contact with is far more dangerous to handle, too. Now, the government spends the money we were supposed to have saved by purchasing MRAP vehicles to equip those convicted of minor infractions with expensive disposable protective equipment, making it a relatively easy yet meaningful task to set up and supervise. Oh yeah, last year, our local city council approved cooling tent attachments for some of the MRAPs, which, ironically, makes them more expensive and polluting as they burn even more diesel fuel.
Seeing these work crews is becoming more common. Every time I pass one of these outfits on the side of the road, I am filled with a bit of fear for the future. The worst thing about all this is that I see the same fear on my son’s face, too.
Implications
To save money spent on decommissioning thousands of mine-resistant armored personnel carriers (MRAPs) produced for the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Department of Defense provided police forces with the option of acquiring MRAPs at bargain basement prices. This, and other up-armoring efforts, led to a distinct militarization effect for many police forces across America. In a quest for efficiency, cost savings, and force protection, the days of the cop on the beat who was well-known by neighborhood citizens are long gone. What will be the long-term effects of depersonalizing and militarizing America’s policing forces?
Climate change will continue to accelerate without drastic action, rendering important outdoor tasks impossible without the use of expensive environmental mitigation suits. What will the additional human and economic cost of heating and cooling clothing be, and how will this impact workers' quality of life? Will this become a further contributor to climate change?
If we reduce or eliminate environmental protections, what will the consequences be for clean land, air, and water? How might we reinforce an era of personal and corporate environmental responsibility and accountability? Rather than stifling businesses, what new businesses and clean industries could be created to reverse global warming?
Futureproof is a series of occasional provocations illustrating possible future paths for technology and culture. Think postcards from the future.
Futureproof: TRACER Micromobility Companions
I’ve come to love my trusty TRACER companion, Max. He is always there for me, helping me maximize my workdays. Thanks to the TRACER virtual leash system, he is just a few steps away, faithfully following in my footsteps and carrying the heavy loads I am responsible for delivering to their final destination.
Future Narrative
I love my trusty TRACER (Tracking Retail Assistive Cargo Electric Rover) companion, Max. He is always there for me, helping me maximize my workdays. Thanks to the TRACER virtual leash system, Max is just a few steps away, faithfully following in my footsteps while carrying the heavy loads I am responsible for to their destination. My productivity has tripled since I added Max to the mix. Next month, I may purchase the stair-climbing accessory for Max to expand its delivery capabilities even further.
Max reminds me of my Gen 2 TRACER, Miles. Miles kept everything I needed close at hand in high school. Thankfully, my backpack became much lighter. During soccer practice, Miles was great. It was like having your equipment locker right there on the sidelines. Miles kept my stuff safe and my hydration drinks ice cold. Coach Lloyd even asked Miles to jam some tunes to fire us up during practices.
Before Miles and Max, I had my first Gen 1 TRACER, Moose. He was less refined than Miles, but he helped me with my paper route and could even carry me around back then. My Dad and I used to hike and camp with Moose. We stuck to the easy trails, and Moose powered our camp. He even heated our tent on cold nights. I still miss Moose.
Futureproof is a series of occasional provocations illustrating possible future paths for technology and culture. Think postcards from the future.
Futureproof: The Lunar Grid
As we continue to extend our areas of exploration on the lunar surface, we have come to rely on grid pods as an extended safety envelope when away from one of our main facilities. Grid pods, placed at one-mile intervals, ensure that teams are never far away from essential life support systems, supplies, and a place to repair equipment or recuperate and recharge.
Future Narrative
As we continue to expand our reach across the lunar surface, grid pods have become an essential part of our operational strategy. They serve as an extended safety envelope for crews venturing beyond the main base facilities. Strategically placed at one-mile intervals, these compact yet robust outposts ensure that they are never far from critical resources no matter where a team operates.
The Nordic-USA Lunar Grid Pod exemplifies all the advanced learning gained through extensive research in extreme Arctic conditions. It is one of the most reliable and capable modules on the Sea of Tranquility.
Before the grid pods were in place, working in the expanding areas of exploration was a stressful experience. Last year, we began repurposing sections of supply rockets that were being taken out of fleet service to use as grid pod shelters. These days, knowing that there are a few within a mile of our workplace is comforting. Given the diversity of nations involved in lunar exploration, the pods are a bit of a mishmash, but that gives them a certain charm. Some even enjoy taking a break from base operations and the relative solitude of grid pod maintenance duty.
Each grid pod is equipped with life support systems, emergency supplies, communication relays, and basic repair tools, creating a dependable network of safety and sustainability across challenging terrain. They also serve as havens for astronauts to recuperate, recharge, and regroup, whether after long extravehicular activities or during unexpected delays.
Beyond their practical function, grid pods represent a broader philosophy of lunar exploration—resilience through redundancy, and mobility through modular design. As our operations scale and lunar missions become more complex, this grid system provides the security and flexibility needed to thrive in the harshest environment humans have ever called home.
One of the original rocket module to Lunar Grid Pod conversions, Pod A-3 remains a familiar and comforting site after a long day on the Sea of Tranquility.
The Sea of Tranquility’s D-2 site comprises several Lunar Grid Pods. It is the first site to connect retired rocket modules to create different types of zones. Several living habitats and vehicle maintenance pod modules are available at the site.
Lunar Grid Pod C-3 was the first dual-use pod with a pressurized habitat module and an unpressurized service bay.
Japan’s D-8 dual-use Lunar Grid Pod has a safety habitat and an optionally pressurized and external service bay.
The elegant D-4 international Lunar Grid Pod is appreciated for its large window views and expansive interior. It also has the best espresso.
After many years of faithful service, the original Alpha-1 Lunar Grid Pod is still functioning. Now dependent upon the Sea of Tranquility’s Kennedy Base Station for power, it is a few meters from the south entrance. Steeped in history and character, it has remained a favorite across generations of lunar explorers.
Technology
Lunar Grid Pods utilize repurposed sections of retired rockets. Provisions for pressurization, power, environmental controls, and supplies are all fitted, giving the rocket sections a valued second life on the lunar surface.
Signals
Necessity and access often drive innovation in remote locations here on Earth. Harsh conditions on the Lunar surface will likewise necessitate that resources be utilized in various ways, perhaps seeing uses in many forms across many lifetimes, thus increasing the sustainable nature of Lunar exploration.
Futureproof is a series of occasional provocations illustrating possible future paths for technology and culture. Think postcards from the future.
Futureproof: Westie Rescue Team Members
Hi. I’m Buster. Since our translator-enhanced training took place, I now relate to my trainers at an entirely new level. It feels so good to have an even richer bond with them. I am proud they believe in me enough to let me go into dangerous places to help save their friends.
Future Narrative
Hi. I’m Buster. Since our translator-enhanced training took place, I now relate to my trainers at an entirely new level. It feels wonderful to have an even deeper bond with them. I am proud they believe in me enough to let me go into dangerous places to help save their friends. People have been so good to me. I want to do good work for them. Digging and tunneling perfectly align with my breed heritage, so it’s a lot of fun most of the time. This new kit protects me and allows me to bring things to people in tight spaces. My trainer always has my back, literally. I use a rope attached to me and carry an air supply hose to people who need it, which I can use as well.
Buster is a highly decorated member of California’s vaunted Earthquake Rapid Response Team and is credited with saving over 300 lives.
Biology
West Highland Terriers, affectionately known as Westies, possess unique qualities that make them exceptionally well-suited for search and rescue operations in earthquake-stricken areas. Their compact size and agility are invaluable in navigating the challenging terrain of collapsed buildings and rubble. While larger breeds may struggle to maneuver in tight spaces, Westies can effortlessly weave through debris, accessing areas that would otherwise be inaccessible to rescuers. This ability to easily traverse precarious environments increases the chances of locating survivors trapped beneath the wreckage.
West Highland Terriers are known for unwavering determination and tenacity. Once they catch the scent of a trapped individual, they exhibit relentless perseverance in their search efforts. Their boundless energy and enthusiasm drive them to tirelessly scour through the rubble, undeterred by the chaos and devastation surrounding them. This innate drive to help and refusal to give up, even in the face of adversity, make them invaluable allies for rescue teams working against the clock to save lives.
Westies possess heightened senses, enhancing their effectiveness in search and rescue missions. Their acute sense of smell enables them to detect human scent amidst the chaos of disaster sites, even when it is faint or buried beneath layers of debris. Additionally, their sharp hearing enables them to pinpoint sounds that may indicate signs of life beneath the rubble, aiding in the location of survivors. These enhanced senses, coupled with their intelligence and trainability, equip West Highland Terriers to excel in locating and rescuing individuals trapped in the aftermath of earthquakes.
Technology
New AI-driven translators have further enhanced the ability of Westies and their Trainers to communicate, further strengthening their bond and the effectiveness of their partnership in disaster zones.
A carbon-fiber embedded protective suit with a thermal protection layer helps protect Westies from sharp debris and thermal extremes.
Rescue Westies carry air, hydration, communication, and recovery lines into caverns, which Westies can also use to replenish themselves during rescue operations.
K-9 rescue suites integrate lighting and pockets that contain communication equipment and medical supplies.
Seeing the face of a West Highland Terrier during times of distress can help calm victims and enhance their chances of survival.
Implications
What new occupations and contexts will they thrive in as we grow our bonds and communication capabilities with K-9 friends?
Futureproof is a series of occasional provocations illustrating possible future paths for technology and culture. Think postcards from the future.
Futureproof: Autonomous Grocery Module
These autonomous grocery modules always feature the week's best deals. Some keep items cool, while others keep pre-prepared meals warm. I’ve seen them used for special events like concerts, conferences, and pop-up stores. The slide-down side panels keep things in place and at temperature while in transit.
Future Narrative
These autonomous grocery modules always feature the week's best deals. Some keep items cool, while others keep pre-prepared meals warm. I’ve seen them used for special events, such as concerts, conferences, and pop-up stores. The slide-down side panels keep items in place and at the correct temperature while in transit. When placed outdoors, the slide-out solar panels up top keep things shaded while topping off the battery pack. Two fit side by side in a delivery van and are motorized, making ramp loading a breeze.
Technology
Motorized, battery-powered grocery module with supplementary solar panel charging.
Recycled automotive battery packs in the base move the module and cool or warm products.
Implications
Stores can utilize fleets of autonomous grocery modules located in the back of stores to automate grocery stocking. These modules benefit from a direct connection from the back-of-store warehouses to delivery vehicles and onward to customer sites with maximum efficiency.
Delivery services providing warm, cool, and bulk items can better serve pop-up stores and venues.
Modular flexibility enables stores to maintain high stock levels of high-volume products.
Futureproof is a series of occasional provocations illustrating possible future paths for technology and culture. Think postcards from the future.
Futureproof: Clearview Highrise Windows
With declining air quality, the cost of cleaning highrise windows has skyrocketed. The Clearview highrise cleaning system seamlessly integrates into most architectural layouts. Our building maintenance costs have dropped significantly, and our views have never been so clear.
Future Narrative
With declining air quality, the cost of cleaning high-rise windows has skyrocketed. The Clearview high-rise cleaning system seamlessly integrates into most architectural layouts. Using stored and filtered rainwater from the roof, the system’s vertical brush and squeegee assembly regularly sweep across window surfaces to remove dirt and grime. Our building maintenance costs have decreased significantly, and our views have never been clearer.
Technology
Rooftop rainwater collection and filter water delivery system.
Programmable channel-mounted full-length cleaning brush and squeegee.
Implications
As air quality continues to degrade and particulates increase in our cities, our highrises can be kept looking their best with new cleaning systems that don’t put traditional window washing crews at risk. Many individuals can be retrained to deploy and maintain systems like the Clearview Highrise Cleaning System, which requires far less time in the air.
Futureproof is a series of occasional provocations illustrating possible future paths for technology and culture. Think postcards from the future.
Futureproof: Sea Level Rise and eVTOLs Reshape Coastal Cities
When they started modifying the city’s coastline in 2021 to accommodate rising sea levels, I knew it was just the beginning. The continued rise of the seas redefined our streets, and the rise of EVTOL travel has reshaped the roofscape of our metropolis.
Future Narrative
When they started modifying the city’s coastline in 2021 to accommodate rising sea levels, I knew it was just the beginning. The continued rise of sea levels has redefined our streets, and the increase of EVTOL travel has reshaped the urban landscape of our metropolis. Today, innovative, adaptable street-level structures are helping to futureproof the city against rising sea levels. At the same time, our building's upper floors extend outward and are increasingly interconnected by new skywalks.
Height-adjustable highways are now appearing across many coastal cities, futureproofing ground traffic infrastructure against future sea level rise.
EVTOLs are reshaping the skyline as landing platforms become vital transportation hubs, providing new opportunities to interlink buildings above street level.
Technology
Breakthroughs in concrete are reshaping our cities. Permeable concrete is used at street level, where things are still above ground, to allow water to drain between high-water events. Lightweight and strong carbon fiber-embedded concrete empowers architects to create more robust, lighter structures, increasing the square footage in our skyline.
Implications
Advances in building technologies, aerial mobility, and climate change may dramatically reshape our city skylines. Coastal cities must begin implementing plans to mitigate sea level rise and enhance the resilience of their infrastructure.
Related Concepts and Research
The Financial District and Seaport Climate Resilience Master Plan
New York City Is Sinking Under The Weight Of Its Own Buildings
Skyportz: ‘Waterfront vertiports are the future for advanced air mobility’
Future Flight: The Rise of Advanced Air Mobility
How Flying Taxis Revolutionize Urban Transit
Futureproof is a series of occasional provocations illustrating possible future paths for technology and culture. Think postcards from the future.
Futureproof: 21st Century Balconies
Well, here it is, right on time. Many debated the merits of allowing aerial delivery by drones within city limits years ago, but now it is commonplace. Breakthroughs in drone safety and making them much quieter were key to growing acceptance. Now, units with balconies in New York command a premium over those without them due to the convenience of balcony delivery.
Future Narrative
Well, here it is, right on time. Many debated the merits of allowing aerial delivery by drones within city limits years ago, but now it is commonplace. Breakthroughs in drone safety and their increased quietness were key to growing acceptance. Now, units with balconies in New York command a premium over those without them due to the convenience of balcony delivery. Our city streets are much quieter and safer, with fewer delivery trucks double-parking to unload packages in the middle of the street. There seems to be a bit more shade at street level, too, offering more relief on hot summer days.
Technology
As drone technology becomes more efficient and quiet, companies like Amazon, FedEx, and Google will work with others to deliver packages directly to customers’ addresses via balconies or rooftop package locker facilities in cities.
Implications
Historically, approximately eighty-six percent of Amazon’s packages weigh less than five pounds. The FAA must work with various delivery companies to effectively stratify airspace for safe drone delivery. Municipalities will also have a hand in setting delivery and architectural amendment policies for those wishing to add balconies to their properties.
Futureproof is a series of occasional provocations illustrating possible future paths for technology and culture. Think postcards from the future.
Futureproof: Aerial Fire Rescue
Wow! It’s been a long night! It could have been a lot worse without our new jet rescue kits. Since September 11th, 2001, companies have been striving to make skyscrapers safer.
Future Narrative
Wow! It’s been a long night! It could have been much worse without our new jet lift rescue kits. Since September 11th, 2001, companies have been striving to make skyscrapers safer. Our jet lift kits made it possible to respond to the fire tonight on the 24th floor of the Easton complex. Using our new double harness system, 13 people were safely lifted off two balconies on the structure's west side. Three were transferred directly to ambulances on the ground. The others were lifted to the roof of a building across 3rd Avenue to conserve fuel, allowing us to make more runs. I tried the toddler protective harness setup for the first time tonight, too, and it worked well.
Technology
Jet pack and double harness system can lift two people and the pilot to safety. Maximum loaded flight time of 20 minutes.
Flight controller with programmable repeatable flight path memory.
Auto return to landing zone navigation feature.
Auto object avoidance sensors.
FlyRight auto stabilization feature.
Rapid refueling valve for in-the-field refueling.
Implications
As our buildings continue to rise, what systems must we implement to ensure the safety of occupants from fire or other threats?
Early Signals of Possibility
designbivouac blog post: www.designbivouac.com/blog/defying_gravity
Learn more about Gravity’s jetpack technology at www.gravity.co
Futureproof is a series of occasional provocations illustrating possible future paths for technology and culture. Think postcards from the future.
Futureproof: ThinLane Autonomous People Movers
Our visit to Austin last weekend was great. There was so much to do, and it was easy to get around. The ThinLane electric people movers can accommodate up to four people in the bike lanes that run all over the city. We downloaded the app and used them all weekend to get around town.
Future Narrative
Our visit to Austin last weekend was great. There was so much to do, and it was easy to get around. The autonomous ThinLane electric people movers can accommodate up to four people in the bike lanes that run all over the city. We downloaded the app and used it throughout the weekend to navigate around town. The city has established a micromobility strategy and policies. A few repurposed parking spaces in front of downtown businesses now serve as ThinLane loading and unloading zones. This keeps bicyclists happy as the ThinLane vehicles either keep pace or are out of the way. There are fewer cars downtown, and the streets seem smoother, too.
Technology
Autonomous, narrow, electric vehicles provide easy-on/easy-off mobility utilizing dedicated bike lanes. Occupants are safely transported up to 20 miles per hour and use an app to set pick-up and drop-off locations and make payments.
Implications
Many areas within a city require moving people in core areas at consistent but lower speeds or shifting them along a loop. These narrow electric vehicles provide significant bandwidth to the overall mobility system and use existing infrastructure.
Cities' policymakers must collaborate with businesses to understand the optimal flow of pedestrian traffic in dense areas.
Policies that allow a diverse micro-mobility ecosystem to thrive have to be adopted.
How can utilization fees offset some or most infrastructure costs associated with micromobility solutions?
Futureproof is a series of occasional provocations illustrating possible future paths for technology and culture. Think postcards from the future.