Repurposed Ruins, and the House that the Future Archeologist Built

Architecture is, by its nature, anticipatory and made for the future. They are made for humans’ use, as far as 200 years into the building’s future. As such, they prioritize certain values and ideals in how humans exist in their environment.

“Futurist” architecture used to directly counter natural forms, emphasizing man’s “progress” through linear replication of industrial forms; now it often attempts to emulate nature—many sci-fi films and artists explore organic dwellings and buildings. What does that say about our shifting ideals? If a future alien archeologist saw our buildings, what do they look like for this post-human?

We speak with Gabriel Cira, a brilliant conceptual architect at MassArt, as we explore domes, shells, and climate interventions; how utopic environments have imposed values on future residents; and if we can make blueprints for re-using our own detritus.