Backcasting the XXI century. Digital culture and tacit knowledge for the future of architecture

Abstract

Technological change and its social implications have in recent years become a topic of intense interest and fierce debate. Human actions are driven by cultural, economic and political forces that have unforeseen consequences and side-effects, as we have recently noticed. Climate related risks for natural and human systems (drought and precipitation deficits; sea level rise; species loss and extinction; health risks, livelihoods, food security, water supply, human security, and economic growth) are reaching higher and higher levels (IPCC, 2019) and we are asked to rethink and redesign ourselves as users of life in close and interrelated familiarity with the environment. This scenario overwhelms us with a sensation of uncertainty, of accelerated times, of technological transformation and rapid social changes that create concern and profound expectations at the same time. This paper will focus on the architectural project as the center of a new debate, able to build complex scientific, social, political and cultural point of views, in a period where the downturn of anthropocentric perspective is radically changing our approach to design, technology and materials given their impact on resources. The question we will try to answer along this paper is mainly: How can we direct our knowledge today so that – as designers – we can re-balance our impact on the planet and literally ‘build’ our future? Of course, there’s no linear and obvious answer.