Arcology

An arcology is a largely self-sufficient, high-density urban development. In the Unity Age, many cities on Earth have become arcologized.

History

Italian architect Paol Soleri coined the term "arcology" as a synthesis of "architecture" and "ecology". Gaspar Forshaw, a Jamaican expat, revitalized the concept and worked through many of the technological and logistical problems in achieving environmental sustainability.

The world's first functional arcology was Gaspar's Secure Environs Arcosanti Prison, constructed in the 2030s for non-violent offenders. Amidst the Aberrant War and the North American Police Action, the prisoners of the SEA rebelled and transformed the arcology into an independent city-state. It officially rejoined the Federated States of America in 2097 as Seatown, and remains a major economic center in the Southwest District.

In the wake of the Aberrant War, the growth of arcologies lead to the Urban Schism, particularly in North America and Europe. The wealthy were able to relocate to clean, luxurious arcologies, while the poor were lucky if they were allowed to labor in their shadows. In the 22nd century, interlinked, corporate-owned arcologies dominate the coasts of North America, from Vancouver to San Diego and from Boston to Atlanta. An additional strip running from Chicago to Minneapolis-St. Paul was never fully established.

Part of the appeal of arcologies is security: the enclosed and highly regulated environments can repel Aberrant attackers more easily than an open city. In Tex-Mex, the arcologies of Houston, El Paso, and Dallas are heavily fortified against Mexican attack, resembling medieval castles as much as modern urban developments. Another bonus, especially in the authoritarian FSA, is the high degree of social control imposed on arcology residents.