CXC: A speculative world building

CXC:
A submarine future city

Abstract

CXC is a visionary world-building project centered around the concept of underwater cities in a future setting. Embracing speculative design principles, we embarked on conceptualizing a city based on the premise of a “city where the sun never sets,” shaping a society that measures time by the ebb and flow of tides. Inhabited by a community of genetically modified humans, some compelled by circumstances and others by their volition, the “laws of survival” persist in this unique world!

Conceptulization

Inspirations

Brainstorm

Using bottles to simulate a tidal city: The urban buildings’ exteriors showcase water level markings, illustrating the passage of years. Due to ample sunlight exposure, plant life thrives on the upper floors. Social hierarchy reflects residency, with those lower on the ladder residing at lower levels and gradually ascending.
Simulated genetic experiments using amphibians as prototypes: Employing decorative elements to mimic frog and fish skin grafts, along with gene implantation resembling coral/anemone decorations.

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City Setting

In our envisioned city, the world is enveloped by water. The ebb and flow of the tide correspond to the sun’s position, causing gravitational forces to fluctuate, thereby altering the water levels. The cityscape comprises entirely enclosed high-rise structures, their foundations fully submerged in water.

With the daily rise and fall of the water, these buildings gradually submerge and resurface. Residents occupying the lowest levels must navigate by boat as the water ascends to access higher levels. Missing the window means waiting until the next day’s tide. Likewise, returning to the lowest levels necessitates waiting for the singular ebb of the day.

After deliberation, we decided to unveil a segment of this world when the water level reaches its zenith, submerging the entire environment beneath the seabed. Our design includes an opportunity for the audience to observe distant buildings towering over the submerged world. Additionally, from closer proximity, viewers can witness advertisements from a genetic modification company, strategically positioned at the base of one of these tall structures, offering glimpses into another facet of our setting.