How long our infrastructure will last. Via Mammoth (from the poster design for the GSD’s “Landscape Infrastructure” symposium by OPSYS/Alexandra Gauzza)
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“This chart visualizes the lifespans of equipment associated with waste, water, energy, and transportation systems across North America. As we approach — and pass — the breakdown point for many post-WWII urban infrastructures, important questions emerge. What and how should we rebuild? How do we build in the face of dynamic climates and coastal hazards? Should we design for permanence or for failure? Should we build stronger or weaker structures? Can natural systems be coupled with technological facilities? Cross-disciplinary action by ecologists, urbanists, historians, geographers, and engineers is necessary as we construct the next generation of public works projects for an era of unprecedented change and uncertain risk.”
See also http://m.ammoth.us/blog/2012/03/landscape-infrastructure-at-harvard-gsd/
InfraSCAPE Design Lab 