Genius and Insanity: A Look at the Walking City

By Jordan Grant

The fine line between genius and insanity is often discussed and often crossed; the topic of this post is about architects that perch on that fine line and stay there.

 

Archigram, the 1960s avant garde London firm is perhaps one of the best examples of this tightrope act of insanity that I can think of. Their futurist-inspired work glorifies machines, the glamour of technology and mass consumerism. It disregards concerns for the environment and the social implications of mass standardization.

Perhaps my favorite example is that of the Walking City, a project from 1964 by Archigram. Simplified, the Walking City is a collection of insect-like robot cities that roam the world in search for resources. The cities could join forces when a metropolis was needed and even the buildings could move to wherever their owner commanded. 

My first reaction to this proposal is to deem Archigram insane, past the line between genius and insanity. The thought of giant bug robots carrying human cities and stomping across continents sounds absolutely ridiculous. The image that forms in my mind is absurd- mechanical cockroaches jumping over forests while humans ride their backs like fleas.

Yet, Archigram may have had a genius premise, one that is actually something much more ancient and instinctual- a nomadic lifestyle and the benefits that it grants. Following resources, protection from attack on permanent structures, the capability to flee dangers and escape harsh climates. It’s not a new concept at all, it’s just the first time it’s presented in such a ridiculous manner. Yet in reality, the Walking City might have already existed.

Railroad cities were once prominent, popping up along the US Transcontinental Railroad. The tracks lent the perfect opportunity for cities to become moveable and nomadic by following where the railroad led.

Additionally, some ships have verged on the scale that the Walking City suggests; the largest aircraft carriers can hold up to 6,000 people. These are the only vessels of such a large magnitude that support extended living, but their counterparts could be considered cruise ships- though only intended to be lived in for short periods of time, these ships can fill almost any function or program for a large number of people. Yet the few attempts at a true floating city have failed.

Even the notion of a city in space is not a new one, though it reminds me of the children’s movie Wall-E. The Walking City might one day exist in space in a ship that can simulate a city environment for humanity and an escape from a decaying planet Earth.

Genius or insane, I know not. However, the Walking City is an interesting idea to contemplate- perhaps I must categorize Archigram as a blanket of insanity that obscures genius from sight, but does not remove it.