to this...
The above image is from Ventersdorp; a grim dorp with too many funeral parlours, and buildings that are literally hollowed out skeletons in the main street.
Now you might think country dorpies are dead, and those that aren't are dying. But the future is farming. Major production in the future is likely to be agriculture - not only for food, but also fuel. A recent article in The Economist confirms the 'safe haven' status of farms, as opposed to say, gold.
What if urban water supplies became poisoned, and we found ourselves stranded without fuel? Wouldn't city environments quickly convert to chaotic crime-filled slums (like New Orleans), prisons for gangs of have-nots to prey on the haves?
In Rosebank's favour is that it is to some extent a walkable community, and it is not entirely 'built-up'. But if it ever became an island, isolated because of say - a temporary shutdown of electricity, or motor fuel - how long could it play survivor to its hosts? How long can any urban setting? And if these scenarios develop - and we're seeing them happen more frequently, what structures and systems are in place to mitigate? Who will rescue us if not we ourselves?
3 comments:
what yiou wanna grow crops in Rosebank? Freakin unlikely dude
Well, would gardens and a few organic streams be so bad. I do think we need to rewire and reverse engineer our urban design...certainly to make them more pleasant and more walkable. Have you ever been without a car and tried getting around, running over highways. It's a nightmare.
I certainly think that a few gardens that are well kept (by residents who love gardening) would be great. Add a couple of "calm" zones with streams and benches etc and it would be fantastic.
Think you should organize a "Best Pavement Garden" competition...
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