Cognitive Scaffold

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MENTAL MODEL · M5049

Arcology

Arcology
CultureHigh supportAnthropology
Included
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Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30

CORE DEFINITION

A portmanteau of Architecture and Ecology. It refers to a super-dense, self-sufficient megastructure that can house an entire human community while minimizing environmental impact.

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

psychology

Reduce cognitive load

An extremely intensive vision of survival. Although not fully realized in reality, it is the ultimate imagination for solving population explosion and environmental crisis. It reminds us that through extreme vertical integration and internal circulation, humanity can maintain high civilization on a minimal physical footprint.

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Arcology (architecture + ecology) advocates integrating cities, buildings, and ecosystems into a high-density, low-energy, self-sufficient and symbiotic whole, reducing resource dissipation. Proposed by Paolo Soleri.

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Source support: Explicit

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    en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ArcologyZH · Explicit
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