Urban Eidos

Utopia is typically associated with community. Despite the existence of individual, “private” utopias, traditionally, a utopia does exist for a single human being but for a group of people – a community. If we set aside the more sinister version of utopia, the so-called dystopia (which also has groups of humans as its focus) and look at the ‘positive’ utopia,…

Artificial natures exemplify how human desires, technological innovation, and environmental considerations intersect, creating hybrid landscapes that encapsulate both dreams, ideas, ideologies and anxieties of our era. As such, investigating these spaces may provide critical insights into contemporary cultural narratives, urban planning practices, ecological ethics, and social dynamics.

Over the past seven years, fuse* has undertaken a continuous exploration of botany, ecology, and artificial intelligence. Through three distinct but interconnected series – Artificial Botany, Unseen Flora, and Mimicry – the studio’s practice investigates how algorithmic tools can be used not only to simulate but also to reimagine natural systems, species, and evolutionary trajectories. From early experiments with botanical…

This essay is an experiment emerging from a long-term photographic project. For over six years, we have done a photo documentation of the structures that children build in the forest. A small selection taken from this substantial archive will be presented here, alongside this essay. With this text we want to demonstrate, that these ‘dens’ or ‘forts’ echo the concept…

This essay critically examines the proposition of whether a damaged landscape can serve as a generative starting point for design outcomes. Focusing on extractive landscapes, it explores the evolving narratives across Germany, India, and the United States. These contexts provide contrasting yet interconnected material with their inherent possibilities and narratives. By engaging with these geographies, the essay interrogates dominant conceptions…

This study explores the possibility of applying serious games to increase citizen participation and foster spatial justice in urban decision-making processes. Drawing on theories of spatial justice, social innovation, and participatory spatial planning, it investigates how game-based approaches can smooth dialogue between citizens, experts, and other stakeholders. The focus is to bridge the gap between citizens’ needs and demands and…

The relations between Self and space are not an abstract issue, but essential for society. ‘Modernity experienced a transition from community to anonymous society,’ the German sociologist Tönnies said at the end of the 19th century already. What about this today? And what about the Self, the single individual unit inside such contexts, and its space? How is life perceived…

The design of American college and university residence halls has evolved significantly over time, reflecting broader changes in architecture, student demographics, and societal trends. In the 19th century, many residence halls emphasized Collegiate Gothic styles with monastic student rooms and grand, light-filled common spaces. Post-WWII dormitories, influenced by modernist principles, prioritized functionality with spartan interiors and limited student amenities. These…

The essay which follows is a look into complex points-of-view in regards to the collective consciousness, consciousness and the Self. There has been a large body of research done on collective consciousness, consciousness and the Self over the last century. This article overviews that research and comes up with a conclusion based on my own thoughts that collective conscious is…

The following offers a historical critique of the emergence of the Self in the West as co-constitutive with the normalization of colonial-capitalist exploitation. Particularly, the focus here is on the psychology and epistemology of foregrounding the Self as the principal marker of identity (as opposed to religious, national, or familial identity). The impact of this transition from Descartes and Locke…

Rust-belt cities in the United States have been striving to rejuvenate their city centres for decades since deindustrialization undermined their economies, driving residents to seek opportunities elsewhere. The population loss reduces vibrancy on city streets and revenue for municipal services, stressing the remaining urban population. In this context, cities often turn to private capital to develop rejuvenating projects and invest…

This article examines the historical evolution and contemporary relevance of libertarian philosophy, particularly focusing on its intersection with technological advancement and individual sovereignty. Through analysis of classical philosophical texts and modern theoretical frameworks, it explores how libertarian principles adapt to address emerging challenges in the digital age. The research traces libertarian thought from ancient Greek philosophers through medieval natural law…

Taking Chandigarh in India as a case example, essential aspects of an ideal city will be outlined, together with some basic assumptions behind it. What kind of architecture shall be installed, for what (assumed) kind of human beings? What kind of society is envisaged by its architecture? Speaking about architecture, one always speaks about a human condition, a conditio humana…

Our forthcoming issue will focus on the ideology of a neoliberal market and its consequences, in particular the destruction of space and community. This will affect living spaces and the individual within society. To use the metaphor of an ecosystem, the worldwide conditions generated by a recent neoliberal market constitute the encompassing socioeconomic and cultural ecosystem we all live in…

This paper outlines some characteristics of neoliberalism and examines their impact upon the city and upon democracy and participation in urban spaces. The paper first maps out some themes of neoliberal ideals. Following this, and focusing in particular on the United Kingdom, it explores how neoliberalism has embedded itself in cities. The paper then discusses how neoliberalism employs a language…