Ivanov + Partners

Nuclear wars, radioactive waste, black holes, lack of resources: Truth is, there is a great deal of potential apocaliptic threats upon us. We could all vanish after an explosion, we could be at war, fighting for the limited amount of water on Earth. But what would we do, really, if we were to be the last survivors on this world ? 

In a future in which all the Earth’s divisions are removed: countries abolished, borders dissolved, and governments overthrown, “Civilization 0.000” would find its place. That is, this creation would be human’s solution to distribute resources equally, according to human need.

In this world, a series of interlinked skyscrapers called “0.000 Units” would harness local earth resources. Each of the units would assume one of 6 key functions: living space, education, resource management, production, energy storage, and electricity generation. Functions are determined by the environment in which the units are sited.

The entire structure is engineered to provide maximum energy levels, and would convert an estimated 40% of all kinetic energy received into usable electricity. It is projected that the skyscraper would create 100 million kWh of renewable energy each year. Hugging its coastal site at ground level and sinking 260m below the surface of the sea, Cape Horn’s Civilization 0.000 appears to emerge from the ground plane, clad in a material that the architect likens to the “surface of shark skin”.

We interviewed Dimo about him and his project : 

Above all, tell us about yourself in a few words: Where do you live, study or work at the moment?

I am currently living and working as a project manager in Zurich, Switzerland.

1) One sentence to tell us about your project

Civilization 0.000 is a high tech structure, placed at Cape Horn in Southern Chile, that uses locally available renewable energy sources to generate electricity. Making use of the ample wind, wave, and tidal energy of this region, the structure would utilize a combination of 19 wind turbines, 4 wave power plants, and 6 tidal power turbines to create 100 million kWh of renewable energy each year.

2) Was does your project mean to you?

The project means a lot to me. It represents very much my approach to architecture: visionary,  adventurous and always questioning the status quo.

3) What challenges did you face during the creation process of your project?

The creative process requires always effort & demands patience. The biggest challenge for me was to find the right chair & tutor at the university. That’s why I am very thankful to Prof. Dirk Henning Braun (Head of chair of building technology, RWTH Aachen University) for giving me great support and creative environment while creating my master thesis: Civilization 0.000. In addition, I would like to thank my friends from Flying Architecture for providing stunning visualizations of the project!

4) How does it feel to try to be one of the most visionary architects in the world?

I am not necessary trying to be one of the most visionary architects in the world, but rather trying to follow my inner values & life purpose to design beautiful pieces of architecture and improve as much as possible our environment.

5) Do you think the Foundation played a crucial role in your project’s advancement, visibility?

The Foundation played definitely a crucial role in spreading the project ideas. However the motivational aspect of this recognition is from my point of view even the greater contribution.

6) Why participate in such a competition? Would you do it again?

This competition is one of very few architectural competitions, that fully meet my personal vision and approach to architecture. It has been an honor and pleasure to participate and for sure I would do it again!

7) What’s the next step?

I am currently working on a new project and considering the possibility to write a book (projects compilation) dedicated to this topic.

8)  A word of advice for this year’s participants?

Perhaps the best piece of advice I can give to this or any year’s participants is to follow their dreams, because the life is much too short to design anything else!

Resource: http://www.fondation-jacques-rougerie.com/interviews/2017/3/20/interview-dimo-ivanov