The Lab Arcology

• Return to Junk Storage

Anyone who has known me for any sustained period of time would probably know that I have always considered the merits of developing my own functional microcosm - a small society of friends who share a certain level of common resources and skills, work together for profit and glory, and generally have a good time doing it. Yes, it's basically a commune. Unfortunately, in reality, communes as an idea very seldom actually work. Most don't work because they are fiscally nonviable or violate various laws in order to become viable.

I don't believe that this is an impossible goal. I believe that under the right circumstances, an arcology can be formed that fulfills the major needs of its inhabitants while giving them the opportunity to enjoy their lives.

There are several core components necessary for a successful arcology:

• Living space. Depending on available resources (and friends), the living space should be able to accommodate a variable number of people, but definitely a multiple greater than the number of potential employee positions for the corporate side, including guest accommodations for visitors. Living accommodations would be rented under a sweetheart deal; this situation means that an existing apartment or hotel complex would be ideally suited for this.

• Storage space. There would also need to be storage for maintenance equipment and supplies, public-needs supplies, and other stockpiled goods from company stores; as well as goods kept in stock for company sales. This would facilitate a need for storage closets and at least one warehouse area, ideally capable of receiving pallets. A loading bay would be useful but not vital.

• Waste management. Garbage has to go somewhere; recycled if possible, disposed of safely otherwise. This means appropriate containers and handling solutions (trash compactor and/or baler for a large facility, dumpsters, recycling bins, etc.) to meet the needs of the entire facility, based on estimates of garbage output per week.

• Infrastructure. The work and play demands of the residents / employees call for some infrastructural necessities and/or goals - specifically, running water, electricity, gas, television, phone, Internet, and in-house networking systems.