Redesign the World – Honourable Mention
Status: Conceptual 2022
Description: In the near future, extreme natural phenomena have devastated Earth, making human adaptation crucial. The Sahara Desert has expanded tenfold, the Ring of Fire’s volcanic eruptions have destroyed homes, rising sea levels cover 80% of the planet, and the ice caps are too warm for polar bears. These disasters lead to droughts, storms, wildfires, soil infertility, water scarcity, and famine, necessitating urgent adaptation for survival.
New human ecosystems, called factions, harness these extreme environments sustainably. The Desert Faction lives in expanding deserts where rain evaporates before reaching the ground. They use 1000m-tall skyscrapers to collect rainwater, which is then stored underground and distributed using solar-powered pumps. This water transforms the desert into fertile land, allowing crops and forests to grow, and revitalizes surrounding communities. Solar panels and heat technology provide essential energy, reversing desertification and supporting sustainable living.
Team: Bashara Renou, Tara du Plessis, Lauren Konstantinou