EdgeCity History
EdgeCity is truly difficult to summarize... in as few words as possible, EdgeCity is two things; First, it’s an ongoing experimentation in sustainable architecture amongst designers. Second, it’s the prototype for the future interface of this site.
As many things do, it started with a conversation. These particular conversations began in mid-’95 on the topic of self-sustaining structures. Years before the idea of “green” architecture would emerge and take center stage, we were simply looking for a robust design challenge to anchor a senior thesis project. From these conversations “theArk” was born... which remains the centerpiece of EdgeCity and will be described in greater detail below.
theArk served its purpose well in this capacity. In those college days it never realized any significance architecturally as its program was too ambitious and far-reaching for the time allowed, but it did end up producing a suite of media explorations focused on the future of digital worlds which was entitled “Searching for Static” and played briefly to small, but enthusiastic audiences.
From there, things went dormant for a while... but a couple years later, a new team of digital artists was assembled to further develop the architectural ideas that were simply outlined in the original project. Over the course of the next 18 months or so, all 22 levels of interior architecture were conceptualized, designed and drawn. Initially, to serve as an inspiration for what still needs to be done, much of that earlier work will be archived here as a visual reference. But to what end? This is the project for us that will never be done. No matter how much inevitably gets realized, there will always be something to tinker with. It’s that nature that makes the idea of EdgeCity special...
EdgeCity can be visualized as a number of connected physical structures that exist in conjunction with a supporting digital network. Physically, EdgeCity exists on a peninsula and serves the functions of a future-focused vanguard of artists, scientists, inventors, builders and revolutionaries. theArk is the central structure within this small commune as well as its seat of leadership.
As Sustainable Architecture
It first becomes necessary to state that everything within this section is fiction at heart. An imagined world where anything is possible, all that’s necessary is to write it as such or to draw it that way. So when imagining theArk, open your mind to the possibilities it describes...
theArk is comprised of 22 levels (stories). 12 of these levels are above ground and reach a height of approximately 180 feet. The remaining 10 level’s are subterranean and reach a depth of approximately 65 feet. The structure operates in two states of being; In Analog mode it serves as a communal outpost, or multi-purpose lab for all the residents of EdgeCity. A place to experiment and conceive as well as a world-class hub for communicating ideas with the world outside. In Digital mode however, theArk is capable of locking itself down, offering protection to the residents of EdgeCity from any sort of physical threat. In this mode, theArk becomes self-sustaining within its walls.
Within theArk the spaces are divided into three main functions; First are the communal spaces that serve double-duty as makeshift campgrounds in times of crises. Second are the living quarters for the leadership core of EdgeCity. And third are the spaces dedicated to making the structure self-sustainable; the Power Station of EnergyFarm, the hydroponic food chambers of H2O and the robotics labs of Alchemy...
Being able to navigate the spaces of theArk, and all the rest of EdgeCity for that matter, leads us to an explanation of how this section will grow to allow a mode of exploration...
As A Prototype of Our Future Interface
These pages that currently make up theHub of optiflux.com are temporary. The metaphor of a town square that branches out into individual neighborhoods will remain, the idea is though, that in the future, you’ll be able to navigate the neighborhood in 4d. The realms of depth and the passing of time will be added to the mix.
EdgeCity will develop topographically within this current interface while it will slowly be built in the 3rd dimension offline using whatever the state-of-the-art 3d tools are over the life of the development. Dailies, or maybe monthlies would be a better term, will post to this space to keep our visitors up-to-date with the progress.
So now an overview is in place. Hopefully your curiosity is at least roused... More to come soon.
