An unfortunate byproduct of rapid technological growth and cheaper tech is a culture aloof to rapid product consumption and replacement. You can buy a laptop, knowing that in a few years you will replace it. I admire pursuits to include elements of longevity and sustainability in design, like modular submarines. They are constructed with the idea that certain technologies will remain necessary and functional in 100 years, so you begin by including those in the design. With the remaining space, you allow for different modules to be placed in- allowing for flexibility.
Such a process elucidates some exciting principles regarding the design for longevity. By interviewing experienced operators, designers have an idea of what functions are important and how they can be compartmentalized. Once there is a platform- a structure to hold modules- the design begins to account for an uncertain future.
The design is broken down to scales. What will still be around in 100 years in the environment, what are we certain of? What will exist on the 50 year scale, the 10 year scale, the 5 year scale, etc. The materials and flexibility are chosen with an idea of time scales and necessary flexibility. A longer time scale function will require less flexibility than a shorter time scale function, but would require robustness. Think of Stewart Brand segmenting the long term dynamics by scale:
We can approach design for longevity and sustainability by focusing on the processes at each time scale as Brand illustrates. A cool effect of the modular design for longevity is that for processes that need to be more flexible, users are encouraged to participate. There is choice of what modules to use- what functions to feature, and how to adapt to local environments.
The modularity allows for collaborative design- not only between a design and current users via conversation on needs and observations, but also between the designer of the present and users of the future. Through this collaboration, the designed objects can function successfully for far longer periods of time.
