Our problem with dystopias.
Our problem is it seems we can’t help but to romanticise them. Coming off the back of watching both blade runner films with my free time during this pandemic, I think I could unanimously say the direction and aesthetic for both films are unbelievable. With set designs and visuals that are breathtaking, awe inspiring and sometimes even intimidating. It is easy to imagine this kind of future, hence its deep roots in pop culture with its own sub genres being formed around these dystopian future city aesthetics . The most recent example at the time of writing would be the video game Cyberpunk 77 (with its current track record it may still not be out by the time you’ve come across this post too).
During a somber time of reflection for the entire world I thought it would be interesting to explore what it would take to build one of these cities (in a very simplistic way) and why it would be one of the worst directions you could take design at this current period. I think it would only be in a society that has foregone any commitment to sustainable development that could justify creating a city of these magnitudes. Think about this the next time you see a visual of these cites, apart from the main characters in these films and images how many other people can you spot. I bet you could count them on one hand these cities never have been and never will be for people.
During a time when wealth inequality is only growing thanks to this pandemic, wild fires have plagued many countries and unstable economies centered around growth have contributed to one of the worst causes of loss of life since the world wars, we should step back and reflect. The striking visuals of these films dreams and ideas are impressive and it is hard not to romanticise them, but I think a wider social focus should be cast on sustainable developments and designing holistic approaches to existing problems that improve everybody’s quality of lives.