Architecture & Wellness by Harsimar Kaur Arora

ARCHITECTURE & WELLNESS BSSA NEWSLETTER THE EDITORIAL VOLUME 4 | MAY 2023 IMAGE : Alvar Aalto’s Paimio Sanatorium

IN THIS ISSUE A SERIES OF EVENTS ‘Antibiotics vs Architecture’ : The Role of Architecture and Urbanism in global healthcare - Harsimar Arora

‘Neurology: The tragic and the treatments’ - Aarya Joshi

‘Lack of ventilation and Lazarettos’ : Smallpox - Casilda

‘Thousand-yard stare’ : Post traumatic stress disorder - Darren Lobo

‘Bubonic plague and urban casualties’ - Arryan Singh

‘Create a distance, create a bubble’ : The Spanish flu - Parv Malu

FICTIONAL DYSTOPIC ‘1:23 PM on a Wednesday” -Mahek Gupta

‘Accelerated to life’ - Mahit Shah

‘Oasis’ -Deepika Nayak

‘The Walking Watts’ - Ikjot Kohli

‘Protected greenhouses’ - Antara Chowdhury

EDITED BY Ayushi Shah Sneha Patil

HARSIMAR ARORA

This edition aims to explore the historical significance of architecture and urbanism in the prevention and containment of pandemics, as well as its potential role in shaping future global wellness-oriented strategies. In the 19th century, architecture and urban planning played a vital role in mitigating the impact of pandemics, particularly tuberculosis. However, as medical advancements such as antibiotics took center stage, the focus shifted away from the built environment. Modern medicine became the primary approach to combating infectious diseases. Nevertheless, the recent pandemic has sparked a renewed interest in the role of architecture and urban planning in addressing pandemics. Design strategies that prioritize factors like improved ventilation and adaptable spaces have garnered attention. It is evident that while architecture’s role may have diminished in the past, it is now being reconsidered as a key player in promoting public health. In the latter half of the 20th century, a comprehensive array of measures was deployed to effectively tackle pandemics. These measures included pharmaceutical interventions such as the use of antibiotics for tuberculosis treatment and vaccines for influenza prevention. However, it is important to acknowledge that pharmaceutical methods may not always prove effective against the diverse range of strains that exist.

ANTIBIOTICS VS ARCHITECTURE : The role of architecture & urbanism in global healthcare Developing new medical research and implementing a system or distributing a new vaccine requires a significant amount of time. During this crucial period, non-pharmaceutical interventions become paramount in containing a pandemic at its early stages. The recent pandemic has laid bare the shortcomings of our healthcare systems. While the vaccine was being developed and distributed, traditional quarantine measures had been implemented and the role of architecture in the aspect of health was considered crucial again. The main historical methods against bacterial pandemics were limiting the contact between individuals through isolation, quarantine, and confinement. From the 19th century, the architectural and urban measures were concerning air quality and sunlight. The containment measures implemented during the era of leprosy gave birth to the first dedicated architectural program known as the leprosarium. While prevalent in Medieval Europe, these measures varied in their uniformity and specificity.

The devastating Black Death, believed to have wiped out half of Europe’s population, spurred the implementation of diverse measures aimed at limiting human contact. These measures included isolation, quarantine, confinement, the use of plague masks, and the introduction of medical passports. The urgency also led to the construction of dedicated structures like the Plague Wall—a formidable 27-kilometer-long and six-feettall barrier built in the French Vaucluse mountains. Tuberculosis then took center stage, reaching its peak mortality rate in Western Europe around 1800. The backbone of the fight against tuberculosis was the Hygiene movement, which sought to integrate scientific public health principles into political decisions, architecture, and urban planning. The scale of measures implemented was unprecedented, encompassing sewage systems, wastewater treatment, waste removal, improved air circulation within and between buildings, and ample sunlight. Sunlight, recognized for its bacteria-killing properties, influenced the design of sanatoriums, featuring expansive windows spanning the room and sunbathing terraces

With the availability of pharmaceutical interventions against bacterial pandemics, the reliance on architecture and urban planning as support for health strategies diminished. In the absence of health implications, the social and environmental counterreactions to the Modernist movement led to the Green Architecture, New Urbanism, or Urban Village movements. During COVID-19, the contemporary healthcare system’s response to pandemics showed its limits. Scientific studies conducted in 2020 indicate that the built environment, including buildings and urban spaces, can play a crucial role in global strategies against future pandemics. The research focused on factors such as pollution, urban heat islands, land use, green areas, urban density, and interior air quality. The findings highlight the importance of improving air quality, mitigating urban heat islands, planning land use effectively, incorporating green spaces, managing urban density, and ensuring good interior air quality. These measures can enhance resilience and contribute to the prevention and mitigation of infectious diseases.

Architect Le Corbusier derived his Five Points of a New Architecture from the theories of the Hygiene movement. The use of pilotis—reinforced concrete columns elevating a house above the ground—allowed for better ventilation. Roof gardens drew inspiration from sanatorium sunbathing terraces. Embracing a free plan liberated buildings from the confines of load-bearing walls. Horizontal windows, considered an essential feature, stretched across the entire facade, as recommended in the 19th century. The open facade in front of the columns acted as a lightweight membrane made of insulating walls or windows. These architectural principles emphasized the importance of lighting, sunlight, buildings designed to optimize natural light, and efficient air circulation.

DARREN LOBO

THOUSAND YARD STARE : Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

In fact, PTSD was often referred to as the “thousand-yard stare,” a reference to the blank look and dissociated look of traumatized soldiers. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder has become a household name since its first appearance in 1980 in the third edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders published by the American Psychiatric Association, In the collective mind, this diagnosis is associated with the legacy of the Vietnam War disaster. Earlier conflicts had given birth to terms, such as “soldier's heart, “shell shock,” and “war neurosis”. Mankind’s first epic, the tale of Gilgamesh also gives us explicit descriptions of both love and posttraumatic symptoms After Gilgamesh loses his friend Enkidu, he begins to experiences symptoms of grief, as one may expect. But after this phase of mourning, he races from place to place in panic, realizing that he too must die. This confrontation with death changed his personality. PTSD flashbacks and nightmares that were related to battle experience could be found documented in the Hundred Years’ War between England and France. By the 1800s, the mention of PTSD in relation to combat and war zone participation was merely characterized as

PTSD did not only occur in combat. Difficult living conditions gave way to trauma through other experiences. PTSD symptoms became recognized in history under a host of different names was also referred to as “railway spine” during the late 19th and early 20th centuries to describe psychological responses in those who witnessed or endured graphic railroad accidents. By the late 1800s and early 1900s, the

“talking cure,” had been popularized by Sigmund Freud as a method to treat symptoms that may have been caused by PTSD. These early therapeutic interventions were the first step toward helping people who had survived traumatic events WWI had brought a new awareness of traumatic effects of war. In 1915, “shell shock” was introduced to medical literature. This condition described the same symptoms as PTSD and became the predecessor of the official diagnosis. The treatments for shell shock ranged from psychoanalysis to drastic electric shocks.

“battle exhaustion” or “soldier’s fatigue”

By the 1950s , the treatments became more humane, but many people would not admit to trauma symptoms due to the stigma surrounding it. Treatments improved through the start of group therapy and creation of psychotropic medication. Modern definitions of PTSD gained national spotlight in the 1970s, as countless Vietnam veterans had begun experiencing severe psychological problems, many persisting even upon their return home. Social movements in the 1970s had begun to study survivors of the holocaust, Vietnam veterans , and even domestic abuse victims. This research was a driving force in rawing attention towards the effects of trauma. These research and social efforts gave way to further understanding and the official description of PTSD in 1980. At that time, post-traumatic stress disorder was finally adopted into the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), considered the definitive text for diagnosis among those in the psychological professions. In the 1990s, new treatments for PTSD began to crop up. Eye movement desensitization and new approaches to therapy, reprocessing, newer medications, have all been continually developing in the last 20-30 years.

Studies Have shown that Large windows located closer to the ground make veterans feel safer in a space. They also prefer to have multiple windows in a space so they have a clear view of whats going on outside. Veterans like to easily see the entrances and exits to a room or building. This helps them from feeling trapped in a space. Veterans prefer larger hallways as they reduce the chance of them bumping into other people. Open spaces allow veterans to see their surroundings and provides them with a feeling of security. Sharp turns and blind corners make them panic as they are unable to see what’s around the bend. Open spaces with vegetation make the veterans feel calmer and gives them more visibility. Veterans prefer spaces with fewer pieces of furniture and walls that are painted in brighter, with more vivid colors instead of muted ones . Overall, veterans with PTSD preferred natural light. Some say that poor lighting, including too much artificial lighting, could trigger stress . Air and sound quality is also important, including ventilation, odor , and noise levels. Many veterans said that certain smells could trigger fear or bad memories and that loud, unexpected noises are particularly startling for them. Even though we’ve taken great strides in the diagnosis of ptsd more research, understanding amd resources are required for them to get better treatment and have safer spaces made for them to easily inhabit.

AARYA JOSHI

VII

NEUROLOGY : The tragic and the treatments

The Mesopotamian civilization saw abnormal behaviour as a pure sign of supernatural phenomena- and treated it with methods such as incantations, prayers, exorcisms, and more. The Egyptians somehow managed to adopt a comparatively logical approach to the former and encouraged people to engage in recreational activities to calm their mind. Neurology holds a crucial place in the timeline of mental illnesses and psychosurgeries: from trepanation to tablets- the journey to explore the human brain and its playful methods has been quite a ride. These series of events have subconsciously affected the surroundings, like the lifestyles of people, and perceptions about these psychological disorders. From brutal to bearable: have we come a long way?

The 14th CE saw advancement only in time and not in the way of thinking and treatmentsthe ‘Asylum’ concept was introduced in Europe and the Americas, which was just another sugar-coated shell to the bizarre treatments given to the patients inside: the asylum remained a place of abandonment, ignorance, and brutality.

If yes, have we done justice to the chain of changes related to these events? From the early 6000 BC, all early civilizations have had their share of exploring the treatments with their perceptions- but one thing remained constant in the line: the way mental illness was perceived, seen as a misfit in the book of illnesses, treated with either the logic or supernatural activities or something that resulted in an equally uncanny treatment method. The Greeks invented trepanation, which involved drilling holes into the human skull to drain out the ‘evil’ or impure influence.

From living conditions like cold showers and floors, unhygienic surroundings, and leftover food, the patients were experiencing something opposite to what we call ‘treatment’. This continued till the recent 19th CE and took another turn into the neuro and psychological medical sciences, drugs that cured these illnesses and considered them as a part of the usual things that could go wrong with the human body- saw a new side to this chapter on the timeline.

The question we now ask is simple yet sensitive: how do you see a change in the sur-

roundings and habitats, the usual and the unusual, the happenings and the present- while looking at a timeline of something that has morphed so much with time? For instance, the spaces designed during trepanation, the margins of the asylums, and the rooms of the current hospitals- how do you figure the stark or mild difference? Human activities go hand in hand with the careful analysis of their surroundings- and vice versa. A surgical activity like trepanation in an open yard is very differently experienced compared to brain surgery in the current operation theatre. The probe and the questions here are clearer- do spaces affect the human psyche? Are we capable of doing activities differently in different boundaries? Whatever the explanation is, the role that architecture could or can play in this scenario is quite sensitive yet grand. The intrigue is to start understanding the impact of the living on the non-living and vice versa. If activities surround spaces, even spaces could revolve around activities. This era keeps challenging us to think in ways where little triggers could create massive changes. Architectural elements surely possess the power to do that- in innumerable ways.

Space creation where little details play along with the psyche- from larger ones like walls and roofs to the micro ones like door handles and window frames, a natural system so responsively designed to curate and cure: the human mind. Illusion can be created everywhere- but wouldn’t it be better to live in a reality where the human senses can be cured naturally? Let’s muse ourselves.

PARV MALU

Create a distance, Create a bubble’ :

The Spanish flu

During the last year of the first world war US troops would be deployed in Europe, along with aid, came troops living in unsanitary conditions spreading about the Spanish flu throughout Europe in 1918. Within 2 years it had affected a third of the global population and claimed about 50 million lives. After the war, entire cities were decimated, and the rebuilding efforts were obviously affected by the flu.

Modern architecture questions the preset standards of architecture, it uses modern techniques and new materials while making minimalistic designs to choose function as motivation instead of the beauty standards of it’s time. All of these were encouraged due to world war 1 as the war would encourage the advent of technology, it’s end created a huge stock of surplus while the destruction levelled cities that needed to be rebuilt quickly, the frail financial condition of the countries was also a motivation for the minimalistic designs, putting function over form.

To begin with the small design changes caused by the Flu, one can notice the popularity of china cutlery, they were easily cleanable and become more beautiful and desirable with more intricate detailing of enamel and chrome. Indoor bathrooms also became fashionable with stylised fittings and complicated mechanisms, flu hugely influenced in the

transition of outdoor toilet to indoor toilet. While doing away with the previous town planning and ridding away the dark disease infested corners, the architects created open light-infused squares which were well-ventilated. With that they also undid the 19th century designs of musty, dusted and old curtains, rugs and furniture with easy to maintain, minimalistic designs like blinds, linoleum flooring and simplistic furnitures. With all these, the use of sinks outside bathrooms was also a clear cut sign the hygiene had to be given huge importance in the designs post flu.

Although, alternative treatment methods were also influencing the architecture of that time, the influences which can be seen even today. Without the understanding of antiviruses or a complete lack of any standard medical practices, fresh air and ample sunlight was correlated to recovery and cure for illnesses. That being said, the old victorian wards would convert to balconies drenched, sleeping porches connected to white walled sterile rooms that reflected all the incident light. These would end up being called sanatoriums.

Even today, huge windows in holiday resorts can be seen which are directly derived from these sanatoriums. Or the presence of sink outside the bathrooms, the smooth china cutlery, or the easy to maintain furniture and flooring can be seen. Residential buildings that are separated from the ground by parking spaces is a design used originally by le corbusier in his buildings like vila savoye and Unité d’habitation in Marseilles

to create a distance from the ground and create a bubble for the residents.

CASILDA

LACK OF VENTILATION & LAZARETTOS : Smallpox

Smallpox is a disease that occurred mainly in the 15th century and was caused by inhalation of a virus that had been expelled in the breath or saliva droplets of an infected person. How the disease was started is unknown. It spread from Europe to the Middle East in 1614 and epidemics rose regularly in Europe throughout the 17th and 18th centuries. Occasionally there would be breakouts in American colonies and British India as well. According to research, the spread occurred through the means of sea travel, which also caused the disease to spread from the African continent (from which they say it began) through the slave trade to other parts of the world, and hence to overcome the spread,

Some ports had “lazaretto”, a quarantine station made for marine travelers. Some of the existing buildings lacked ventilation and often required reconstruction in order to reduce contagion.

Regulation movement of people became a challenge too. Cities in these times had very narrow streets and many of the countries mentioned had areas with slums packed with people causing the disease to spread faster. Small and compact houses caused affected people to be on the streets. Some doctors during the 16th century specifically Dr. Sydenham (1624–1689) treated his patients by allowing no fire in the room, leaving the windows permanently open. Most of the areas with large crowds had poor sanitation and hygiene. Open sewers, no proper drainage system, and a lack of purified water made the situation worse.

In South East Asia, countries like Japan had temples built in order to pray to the gods so that the disease would go away. Even in India shrines were made in honor of the goddess Sitala, both healthy and sick used to visit the shrine. The infected people who died due to the disease were buried in large burial grounds provided by the church. Otherwise, mass burials used to take place in a certain area of the town.

AARYAN SINGH

XII

BUBONIC PLAGUE AND URBAN CASUALTIES

Cities, according to historian Philippe Contamine, “were mazes of winding, small alleys, impasses, and courts.” There were few private spaces, and it took until the 15th century for broader avenues, plazas, and city squares to become the norm. Diseases were spread through communal ovens and wells, and urban waste management remained an issue well into the premodern era. The urban settlement at the time had multi-level housing. This led to keeping the sunlight from reaching the cramped corridors below.

Plague is an infectious disease caused by a zoonotic bacteria, usually found in small mammals and their fleas. It is transmitted between animals through fleas. Humans can be infected though. In particular, the terrible plague years of the middle to late 14th century in Europe led to the spread of disease due to poor hygiene and sanitation in medieval cities. Despite the fact that fleas on black rats carried the bubonic plague, both urban and rural societies suffered from weaker immune systems as a result of poor living circumstances. The population density in developing cities, which required crowding many people into small spaces and frequently confining livestock there as well, only served to spread disease.

When sickness and plague decimated towns in the Middle Ages, poor living circumstances contributed to compromised immune systems that caused early mortality. As a result, there was extreme congestion and a serious lack of privacy. Most of the time, beds were seen as a luxury. There was no option for seclusion when one or more “household members” were ill thus isolation wasn’t strongly prevalent to the extent we have achieved in present times. One issue was the direct dumping of rubbish into waterways, but there were also ditch networks that ran into these same rivers.

To direct rainfall away, ditches or gutters were dug. However, they were also a seductive location for locals to dispose of any type of rubbish. It was clear that the citizens of Cambridge had taken advantage of this rapid fix in 1393. The King received complaints about gutters that were blocked with rubbish. The unsavory outcome allegedly tainted the air. Instead of draining into Nidelva, Trondheim’s ditches emptied into a marshy region in the center of the city.

Everybody eventually used privies or chamber pots, typically disposed of in open sewers that flowed into neighboring rivers, streams, or creeks, as in the case of London and the Thames. Outhouses and public bathrooms are also seen in cities. The trash from these vehicles was dumped into nearby ditches, which later overflowed into bodies of water. Thus spaces that fostered public activities became focal points for the disease to spread.

The close-knit settlement became blocks of sickness. With the medieval period out of the clutches of the bubonic plague, drastic changes in urban planning took place, with wider avenues and plazas taking center stage. Proper drainage systems with systematic piping prevented any waste exposure to the people.

MAHEK GUPTA

XII

The President of the United States, surrounded by the Cabinet, gathered in the Situation Room to address the grave situation unfolding worldwide. Reports of strange occurrences and sightings in Egypt had initially been dismissed as mere rumors, but as the phenomenon spread across the Middle East, Europe, and Africa, it became clear that action needed to be taken to protect the country. World trade had already come to a halt, and the impending chaos threatened the safety of the American people. It was evident that the entire nation could not be protected, and difficult decisions had to be made. Recognizing the severity of the situation, the President acknowledged the role and significance of city planners and architects in controlling and mitigating the outbreak. Their expertise in urban design and infrastructure would be crucial in fortifying the country against the impending threat. The President called upon these professionals to work closely with the government to develop strategic plans to protect specific regions and cities that were deemed most critical for the nation’s survival.

1:23 PM ON A WEDNESDAY

City planners and architects, collaborating with experts in various fields, were tasked with identifying key locations that could be fortified and transformed into safe zones. These professionals analyzed existing infrastructure, studied the layout of cities, and assessed the population density to determine the best course of action. They worked tirelessly to design and implement measures such as constructing barriers, reinforcing existing structures, and creating efficient evacuation routes to safeguard the selected areas. In close collaboration with scientists and medical experts, city planners and architects also played a vital role in developing protocols to prevent the spread of the infection within these safe zones. They designed quarantine facilities, established medical checkpoints, and implemented advanced surveillance systems to detect and isolate infected individuals. These measures aimed to contain the outbreak and ensure the safety and well-being of the residents. Moreover, city planners and architects worked to provide essential resources and support systems within these fortified areas. They designed sustainable and self-sufficient communities, incorporating features such as vertical farming, water purification systems, and renewable energy sources to maintain a viable living environment for the survivors. Their expertise was crucial in creating spaces that not only protected the inhabitants from the undead threat but also promoted their physical and mental well-being during these challenging times.

As the crisis escalated, the significance of city planners and architects grew even further. They played a key role in coordinating with neighboring safe zones to establish communication networks and facilitate the sharing of resources and information. Their expertise in urban planning and logistical coordination helped maintain some semblance of order in a world descending into chaos. Meanwhile, survival vlogger Tai Zhang, amidst the chaos and uncertainty, became one of the first documented individuals to take action against the zombie outbreak. In his recordings, he shared valuable information on plant-based remedies that could potentially prevent zombification. Tai recognized the importance of self-sufficiency and encouraged others to cultivate the “Flos Lonicerae Japonicae” plant, which had shown to deter zombies upon contact.

By disseminating this knowledge, he empowered individuals to take charge of their own survival and provided a glimmer of hope in an otherwise grim situation. Unfortunately, Tai’s recording abruptly ends, leaving viewers in shock as he succumbs to the infection he fought against. This chilling moment serves as a reminder of the grave consequences faced by those on the frontlines of the battle against the undead. The sacrifices made by individuals like Tai and the tireless efforts of city planners and architects highlight the critical role they played in shaping survival strategies and fortifying communities, as humanity fought to overcome the devastating Zombie Apocalypse.

DEEPIKA NAYAK

XII

OASIS

The Oasis Project stands as a testament to visionary architecture, boasting a revolutionary design that spans miles with its intricate network of stilts. A distinct stratification is evident within the city’s structure, with lower-cost housing and industrial activity clustered at the bottom while higher-cost residential and commercial structures adorn the upper levels. Remarkably, even amidst the post-apocalyptic chaos brought about by a relentless virus, this architectural marvel has allowed the city to thrive autonomously, nurturing an independent economy that defies the grim conditions.

Technological Ingenuity: The Olfactory Defense System

A pinnacle of efficiency and effectiveness, the Oasis city harnesses advanced technologies to safeguard its inhabitants. Notably, the olfactory defense system emerges as a crucial line of protection. This intricate apparatus emits a meticulously crafted aromatic veil, concealing human scents and offering a relatively high degree of safeguarding against the animated infected dead subjects. The deployment of such technology reflects the city’s relentless pursuit of survival and its commitment to shielding its residents from the harrowing threats that lurk outside. The olfactory defense system’s contribution to the city’s defense underscores the remarkable fusion of science and architecture within the Oasis Project

Intricate Layout: Zones, Connections, and Contamination Mitigation

The city’s design is an epitome of ingenuity, characterized by its intricate layout that segregates the urban landscape into multiple zones. This strategic division serves multiple purposes, facilitating high dynamic connection modes while incorporating effective detachment systems. By doing so, the Oasis city minimizes the risk of virus transmission in the event of contamination. The carefully planned zones, with their well-conceived connectivity and separation mechanisms, demonstrate the architects’ keen focus on safeguarding the city’s inhabitants and preserving their well-being. It is a testament to the meticulous planning that underpins ev-

The Sacrifices of Lower-Level Residents: Economic Disparity and HighRisk Jobs Within the segmented cityscape of Oasis, economic disparity emerges as an inherent and, at times, undesirable by-product. The lower-cost housing and industrial zones become the domain of lower-level residents who, oftentimes, find themselves compelled to undertake high-risk jobs. It is crucial to emphasize that these residents do so not out of their own volition but due to the necessity dictated by the city’s survival imperatives. This reality raises ethical dilemmas, prompting us to reflect on the inherent sacrifices made by individuals who find themselves trapped in lower socio-economic strata, shouldering burdens that are not of their own choosing.

The Moral Paradox: The “Greatest Good for the Greatest Number”

Manifestos penned by the designers of Oasis shed light on their motivations, explicitly stating that the economic disparities and sacrifices are deemed a necessary evil for the city’s survival. The architects, driven by an unwavering determination to safeguard the city’s inhabitants and maintain the longevity of its infrastructure, have crafted a city that operates on the principle of serving the “Greatest Good for the Greatest Number.” This philosophy, though seemingly noble, raises profound questions about the nature of humanity when faced with adversity. Does the Oasis-00 project symbolize the survival of humanity, or does its underlying philosophy reveal an unsettling lack of humanity itself?

Conclusion: Ethical Implications and Future Considerations

While one can appreciate the successful execution and remarkable achievements of the Oasis Project, it is paramount to recognize the ethical implications embedded within its very foundation. As we contemplate the economic disparities, sacrifices of lower-level residents, and the philosophical underpinnings of the city’s design, it becomes clear that further studies are necessary.

MAHIT SHAH

XII

With the rapidly increasing plague, the chaos is now increasing. In almost all the cities, people are opting to not get out of the refuge areas, which is leading to a depletion of resources in certain refuge areas where the resources are scarce and the inhabitants are more.

Trade is a necessity.

However, the concept of transportation, is now an idea with great fear. If I was a survivor in this era of mass destruction, even I would seek comfort behind the fortified walls of the refuge areas. Thus extending this comfort beyond the walls is a task. And the question of how to escape the undead, which continue to terrorise the ground, still remains. A simple solution would be to rise above the ground. During the more civilised era, in the 1960s, an organisation known as the Archigram, had proposed an idea of ‘Walking Cities’. The idea illustrated, that structures would be placed in large-moving pods, that would be insect-shaped, and would roam about randomly throughout a large area. The large area could be called a city. The original intent might have been to allow humans to connect back with nature, by adopting an updated nomadic approach, allowing the nature to heal, and humans to break free from living in factory-like conditions of that time. The current intent, however, would be to have safer travel methods, as the insect would crawl between cities.

ACCELERATED TO LIFE

Now imagine that you are standing on a raised platform, with transparent glass in front of you. Be-neath the glass is a podium of buttons and levers. You press a button and a beam of light suddenly illuminates the ground, and the source appears to be below the platform and in front of you. Two stick-like figures, that are bent in the middle, shimmer in this bright beam of light and alternately appear in the scene. Those sticks have a pointed edge towards their lower end and resemble the movement of a human leg, as it bends in the middle (a knee joint), and propels the raised platform, forward. There is a lot of debris that is lying around, which has broken wood, furniture, certain metallic elements that reflect the light, chunks of soil and rock and various bodies lying on the ground. A herd of the undead take you by surprise and rush their way over this debris, rapidly advancing to the opening gate (which you just left behind), while crushing the heads of the bodies fallen on the ground. You, unable to resist the sense of fear, fixate on the moving herd, till the ground below you completely cover the herd and you are finally comfortable in the space that you are inhabiting. The raised ground, as mentioned earlier, is the pod that hovers above the herd. The beam of light, that illuminates the ground, would actually be a scanner that continuously monitors the ground conditions in front of the moving pod.

It could even be the first line of defence, as it would incinerate the undead, upon their first encounter. If the satellite communication is improved and functional once again, then this data could be uploaded to create a new form of maps, that would continuously search and indicate areas that are safe to inhabit, cultivate, and even roam about. It would be safe to say, that the problem of trading would then be solved. Although, are we too late? Creating these pods, would require massive amounts of resources. Even if smaller-scaled pods are to be made first to confirm the practicality of the idea, the resources and the funds generated would need to be high. With this chaotic environment, where even death can be a few seconds away, can we trust the co-ordination among the living to create such a thing. Another problem would be to arrange for large, safe lands, where these pods could be built. The problem of technology would eventually emerge, once the data uploads would begin. A powerful AI would need to be created to handle the calculations sent by multiple pods and organise them into a convenient form of representation for humans to interpret. However, a more pressing issue would be to wake our dormant government up. Without the support of government, this would be a very difficult project to execute. Resources could be currently recycled from the debris and uninhabitedstructures, until the industrial processes that produce the resources, resume. Small-scale projects could be conducted in the refuge areas itself, as it solves the safety problem to an extent. This project might give employment to a lot of people, distracting them from the horrors of the current living conditions, and this might even help stabilizing the living.

Once executed, this idea has a lot of potential, but creation of such large insects, would require time. A luxury which is lost in the battle of the living and the dead. Is this idea too far-fetched? Is this idea too luxurious? Is it even possible to be done in the current conditions? The answer of these questions only lies in a real attempt to build these pods, however impossible it might seem.

An immediate solution, however, is required to restore the trade amongst the sparse refuge areas. Digging tunnels, using hot-air balloons for transportation of goods and having a rough map to understand the areas around your location, which even indicate the nearest refuge areas,should be the immediate courses of action.

Once the resources get even more scarce, war among the living might begin. The knowledge of your surroundings would become more and more necessary at such times. Slowly and steadily peace within humanity would become more and more far-fetched. Thus these pods would need to be as soon as possible, or it’ll too be an idea that becomes more and more far-fetched.

IKJOT KOHLI

XII

THE WALKING WATTS

Central to this design was the utilization of zombies as an energy source, capitalizing on a startling revelation— the same physiochemical changes in the brains of the infected that turned them into zombies also rendered them excellent conductors of electricity. As an architect, the task of designing structures to withstand a zombie apocalypse was a surreal challenge I never anticipated. However, the call to action from the President and Cabinet of the United States made it clear that conventional means of protection would not suffice in the aftermath of the devastating global outbreak. They sought an innovative solution that would not only ensure the safety of citizens but also utilize the zombies themselves as a source of energy. Initially, I harbored doubts about the feasibility and ethical implications of such an idea. The notion of exploiting zombies for power seemed both absurd and morally questionable. Nevertheless, as I delved deeper into the problem, I discovered a solution that was not only groundbreaking but also sustainable.

My proposal introduced a design concept for a vertical farm/fortress hybrid, intended to safeguard inhabitants while harnessing the potential energy of the undead. Nature became my muse as I envisioned a structure that seamlessly integrated with its surroundings, quick to construct, and capable of healing itself. It was a sustainable sanctuary that could withstand the ferocity of Mother Nature.

With this knowledge in mind, the vertical farm/fortress design was conceived. The lower levels were dedicated to farming, allowing residents to cultivate their sustenance, while the upper levels provided living quarters. Zombies would be captured and housed within the middle levels, their inherent electrical conductivity tapped into through a network of generators. This ingenious design ensured a self-sustaining structure powered by renewable energy.

However, capturing zombies proved no small feat. Specially trained individuals equipped with cutting-edge tools and technology were required to safely detain the undead without risking infection. Once secured, the zombies were carefully contained and connected to the generators. The electricity generated by these captive beings served as the lifeblood of the vertical farm or fortress, powering essential systems such as lighting, heating, and ventilation. Surplus energy was stored in batteries, providing a reliable backup during unforeseen power outages. Undeniably, ethical concerns surrounded the notion of exploiting zombies as an energy source. Yet, it is crucial to acknowledge that these creatures were already deceased. Our approach sought to repurpose their existence rather than let them decay, thus creating a sustainable solution that held the potential to aid humanity’s survival amidst the apocalypse. As I presented my design to the Cabinet, skepticism initially clouded their expressions. However, as I elaborated on the scientific principles behind the concept and extolled the virtues of a sustainable solution, glimmers of hope began to appear in their eyes. Although a risky endeavor, it emerged as the best available option. Ultimately, my design was approved, marking the commencement of construction for the first vertical farm/fortress. It heralded a new era of architecture, one driven by sustainability, innovation, and survival. The unconventional choice of harnessing zombie power set a precedent for our endeavors.

As we tirelessly built additional vertical farms and fortresses across the nation, we encountered numerous challenges. The capture and containment of zombies proved perilous, demanding substantial resources and manpower. Yet, through continuous refinement of our methods and technological advancements, the process became increasingly efficient and safer. These towering bastions of hope illuminated a world veiled in darkness. They not only provided shelter and sustenance to survivors but also furnished a sustainable energy source to power their lives for years to come. Reflecting upon the journey, I remain awestruck by the unanticipated utilization of zombies as an energy source. In a world where possibilities defy imagination, it became a solution that defied all odds. This achievement stands as a testament to the resilience of humanity and our ability to adapt to the most dire of situations.

ANTARA CHWDHURY

XII

With the rampant spread of the so-called “zombie virus”, most, if not all, farmlands are rampant with the infected which has caused a huge setback in food production. As most people gather what they can and seek shelter in fortified cities and colonies, most of the stored food goes stale and becomes inedible and harmful to consume, a new method of sustainable cultivation had to be developed. These new agricultural lands need heavy protection from the infected to prevent staggering the already crippling food supply. We propose to encapsulate modular homes for the farmers with carbon fibre glass in the form of a geodesic dome. This dome will not only provide shelter from the infected by acting as a physical barrier but also from unpredictable weather changes and maintain stable conditions for the plants to grow and thrive in. Since large agricultural lands can no longer be farmed, a more resource efficient method of growing crops is to use hydroponics. Growing plants in nutrient rich water will reduce the amount of water consumed as water lost via evaporation and percolation will be greatly reduced, if not completely eliminated. Furthermore, the water used can be filtered and reused after repopulating with nutrients. Plants won’t have to compete for nutrients and water, they can be grown close to each other, suspended in pipes with flowing water.

PROTECTIVE GREENHOUSES

Conventional fertilizer and pesticides will not be feasible, hence they will be substituted with a bio-fertilizer which will be produced by breaking down the soil waste produced by the greenhouse inhabitants and will be concentrated by water removal, with phosphorus and potassium added to it to meet the level found in conventional fertilizers. Hydroponics has shown to increase crop yield many-fold which is essential in a food shortage catastrophe. The plants will be bio-engineered and genetically modified to contain more nutrients to meet the food demand and prevent emaciation. The shape of the greenhouse will be circular as the shape circle offers the most area with the least perimeter. Thus less glass will be used for external cladding ensuring maximum space usage. Were the infected to attack a circular greenhouse, it would stand stronger than a square or a rectangular one as corners are often the weakest portion of structures.

But a greenhouse is not a fort, it cannot hold back hordes of infected for a long time, thus attack prevention is more essential than withstanding offense. It was found that the plant Honeysuckle produces flowers that contain a compound lethal to infected in large doses. Honeysuckle, being a creeper, can grow along the outer walls of the greenhouse, with its flowers producing a characteristic sweet scent to avert the infected. Hydroponic pipes will be set up along the inner perimeter of the greenhouse. These perimeter walls will have small openings big enough for the plant to grow through.

As the plants grow, they move through these openings and start to grow on the outer surface. This outer surface will be supplemented with a grid offset a certain distance from the glass wall to allow the plants to grow onto them and eventually cover the entire exterior façade. They need bright sunlight to grow, and growing on the exterior walls will ensure they get the maximum daytime light. Due to the high sensitivity of the plant to external changes, they cannot be grown to cover entire walls surrounding cities as fortifications. And only fresh flowers produce the scent that repels the infected, though the compound is still present in dried flowers and equally lethal, it fails to avert the infected. Thus, this can only be used as a stationary defensive mechanism for an area not too large that it becomes uneconomical. The glass dome will form a canopy of sort over the glass perimeter wall of height at least 5 meters. The vertical space between the dome and wall will be open and act like windows to allow ventilation. The perimeter wall will also be supplemented with a barbed wire fence should the defensive plants fail; this will prevent or lessen the chances of the infected climbing the walls. If the infected somehow find a way to break in through the glass walls, such a situation shall be dealt with an electric fence surrounding the interior edge of the hydroponic pipes of the Honeysuckle. This electric fence will be turned off most of the time and will have to be manually turned on in times of need as power resources are expensive and scarce and cannot be wasted on the prevention of rare and hypothetical threats. All this should offer the inhabitants sufficient time to plan an escape route, or prevent it completely if the defence mechanisms succeed in immobilizing the intruders.

Should everything fail, the inhabitants may send an emergency signal and use an underground passageway connecting the greenhouse to two of its neighbouring greenhouses. This passageway has multiple structural steel doors to prevent any infected from breaking through. To maintain its safety and integrity, it must not be used on a regular basis as opening it will automatically inform the neighbouring greenhouses of the imminent threat. The electricity for the greenhouse modules will be provided by solar panels and windmills placed outside the greenhouse. Should the energy generated be insufficient, the inner cities will provide electricity in exchange for fresh produce and food supplies. Furthermore, it was found that the flowers of the Honeysuckle plant produce a compound lethal in high doses but in low doses could act as a pacifier when infused with the blood provided at the city’s dispensaries to aid the infected rehabilitate into the society. The modular homes will be made of precast concrete because of its low construction time. Most of the time should be dedicated into ensuring the productivity of the greenhouse is at its maximum. The air pipes for ventilation will run underground before entering the house, since the ground is cooler in summer and warmer in winter. This should provide comfortable temperatures for the inhabitants. Heaters and ventilators will be provided to ensure appropriate temperatures for the plants to thrive in. The grown produce will be transported by mobile caravan traders adapted to the viral outbreak which also provide transportation and connect the cities. They trade electricity for fresh produce, which keeps the greenhouses in working conditions.