Ye Olde Fortified Village

[ozmirage]

Though a solo fortress of solitude has its appeal as the time of Chaos approacheth, my druthers lead me to find convivial and compatible compatriots to form a cooperative community, and build a fortified village.

One such possible design is the ring village - a dual ring village.

https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/ring_life/info

Imagine a line of mixed use buildings - something like the 1890s in New York City. Stores on the street level, with apartments above. Take that line and wrap into a circle. Take another line of buildings, and wrap that into a circle, placed within the first circle. The result : two circular buildings, a ring street between them, and a round park. . . a dual ring village. One more embellishment - construct continuous balconies at each upper level - not unlike the French Quarter in New Orleans.

Obvious benefits : consolidated population, proximity to vocations, retail, services, social access, a large central park, access to a roof deck garden, and inherent security controlled by the gateway. Easy access around, up and down the ring, via the balconies, etc., and reduced overcrowding on the ground level.

Engineering benefits : curved walls are stronger, use less materials, shared walls reduce exposure to the elements, curved walls deflect winds, and resist side forces (earthquakes). If the exterior ring wall is constructed as a substantial barrier, it would also offer protection from storm surge, flash floods, and mudslides. Security from flooding is dependent on wall height.

Alternative View benefits : The roof deck garden and balcony planters, as well as the central park, conserve more green space than most other high density population designs. Depending on the size and resources of the DRV, may reduce or eliminate the necessity for owning an automobile.

The drawbacks : A DRV has to be designed and built as a monolithic unit, not incrementally. This design also flies in the face of convention, thus is unattractive to the "powers that be." Worse, it fosters a rebellious independence of the Ringers. (Chinese Hakka Tulous are a good example). It is also not designed to expand, other than adding layers, which may not be feasible (shading factor, etc). Generally, population growth will need to be dealt with by building additional DRVs

Of course, a small group might just build one ring (the inner), and as need arises, build the second (outer) ring. Then add a ring to the inner, facing the ring road.

I am not a civil engineer, but rough guesstimates run about $5000 to $7000 initial cost per charter member, assuming about 150 - 250 Ringers... about a million or so green bux.

Based on Dunbar's number, 150 - 250 population is about optimal for a close knit community.
https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/ring_life/conversations/messages/216

[B]Options and variations :
Fortress, Castle, Clan home, Autonomous agricultural station, artist colony, university, country club, building society, assisted living home, scholar's pub, historical re-enactment, theme park, polyclinic, hospice, commercial headquarters, shopping center, food court, religious retreat, manufacturing, arts & crafts, retail, customization and embellishment, and / or Hobbiton.


DISASTER RESISTANCE

Can you think of any other particular village / house design that can endure :
__ Hurricanes, with storm surge, flying debris;
__ Tornadoes, high wind and flying debris;
__ Flooding, ice dams, rainfall, tsunamis;
__ Mudslides;
__ Blizzards, snowstorms, with high drifts;
__ Ash fall (from volcanic eruptions);
__ Forest fires, grass fires;
__ Earthquake, meteor shockwave;
__ Vermin, insects, mold, mildew, pests, pestilence;
__ Weather extremes (extreme heat; bitter cold).

The highest documented storm surge in the U.S. occurred in 2005 during Hurricane Katrina, when Pass Christian, MS, recorded a 27.8 foot (8.47 m) storm surge above mean sea level. The highest High Water Mark on record for a U.S. hurricane occurred in Biloxi, MS during Katrina, where a High Water Mark of 34.1 feet (10.39 m) above mean sea level was recorded on the outside of the Beau Rivage Lighthouse. The surge was 22 feet high in Biloxi, so the combination of the tide (about 1 foot) and 11-foot waves on top of the storm surge created the 34.1-foot high water mark. A four to five story DRV would appear to be capable of offering refuge from such surges. In retrospect, if the Gulf area had been built of DRVs with their own intrinsic levee, there would have been little flood damage to speak of, and no loss of life.

If the ring village was constructed of 2m (6.56 ft) thick rammed earth walls (not unlike the Chinese Hakka Tulou) with ferrocement skins (modern touch), they would be fairly immune from water, blizzards, vermin, pests, wind, flying debris, small arms fire, earthquakes, shock waves from exploding meteors, and sky shine (gamma radiation from nuke). There is historical evidence that tulous endured earthquakes - some cracking - but the cracks self healed. (Hakka people also withstood sieges and raids from Japanese pirates, but that's before cannon). I can't find corroboration, but I read somewhere that the unbreechable walls of Troy were only 40 feet tall... which post-SHTF, may be more than enough to stop mutant zombie biker gangs on rampage.


Chinese Hakka Tulou:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tulou
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fujian_Tulou

[ozmirage]

The Necessity for DRVs
=\=\=\=
As population keeps increasing, the only option we have is to increase population density. Unfortunately, the “old school” urban designs are ridiculously wasteful as well as miserable for most occupants who do not enjoy the “luxury” accommodations.
: : : :
Population density references - - -
New York City = 42.6 / acre.
Hong Kong = 25.7 / acre.
Mexico City = 23.2 / acre.
: : : :
Thought Experiment

Using the 10 acre square equivalent for a “city block,” we can inscribe a dual ring village within.
Square Block 10 Acres 4.05 Hectares
Side Length 660 Feet 201.17 Meters
Road Width 18 Feet 5.49 Meters
Ring2 Width 40 Feet 12.19 Meters
Balcony2 Width 6 Feet 1.83 Meters
Circle St. Width 18 Feet 5.49 Meters
Balcony1 Width 6 Feet 1.83 Meters
Ring1 Width 40 Feet 12.19 Meters
Balcony0 Width 6 Feet 1.83 Meters

Dependent Variables
Road Radius 312 Feet 95.10 Meters
Ring2 Radius 272 Feet 82.91 Meters
Balcony2 Radius 266 Feet 81.08 Meters
Circle St. Radius 248 Feet 75.59 Meters
Balcony1 Radius 242 Feet 73.76 Meters
Ring1 Radius 202 Feet 61.57 Meters
Balcony0 Radius 196 Feet 59.74 Meters
Park Area 2.77 Acres 1.12 Hectares

For this simulation, the model dual ring village is home to 462 inhabitants,
spread over 3 apartment levels, at a density of roughly 40 per acre.
(For each added story, we add 154. I prefer that rings shouldn’t be higher than five stories, in the event that there are no powered elevators - for whatever reason.)

The inherent advantage of a dual ring over a high rise is the intrinsic efficiency. Every high rise apartment building wastes volume. Hence the population density is not as favorable, per unit area. A dual ring village provides a higher population density, greater greenspace, and more pleasant environment than the typical megacity, with its sky piercing needles and expensive support infrastructure.

Parkland density of Ring Village

Unlike the typical highrise development, where one’s view is marred by neighboring spires, the dual ring is a visual relief.
The almost 400 ft wide central park provides a sharp contrast with the
standard urban landscape.

Central Park area = 2.77 ACRES for 462 people,
166.78 people / park acreage
(the approx size of 2 football fields)

In contrast:
New York City = 38,147 acres parkland for 8,274,527 people,
216.9 people / park acreage

(The dual ring central circle park acreage does not include areas such as the
rooftop garden, balcony greenery, and surfaces exterior to the ring
village. Nor does it include any greenery planted in the Circle street.)

It’s safe to say that no contemporary megacity can compete with a ring based megalopolis for greenspace nor volume utilization.

[Lifebringer]

Look at what's survived this type of catastrophic events like the pyramids which have thick walls of tonnage of stone that withstands the flooding, winds, sandstorms and I guess it this is actually cyclical, (extreme heat) As for Earthquakes in "divers" places. I wouldn't seek the core areas below sea as they will boil, and volcanic activity by eht core's heating could prove to be deadly/cook you. There is only one way, it was given to us, and whether or not we believe it, might consider trying it. Faith of all the ancestrial tales of this time in the galactic time/space continium, may be their way of showing us how to survive. IF the ancestors survived during the Sphinx's flood time, could give clues. It appears though, that everyone were either high along the river cliffs and utilizing wooden boats from gathered broken trees that made canoes, and other craft that floated at the time. Vikings on high cliff and winter rock and short springs, used water craft to survive the floods where only a b0at could gain you access. Where would they store the planes and aircraft in most airports in such an even?

Just saying if we read how others survived, perhaps there will be enough of us. Some survived on a smaller scale with little else but bow, arrow, knife and good enclosed shelter with fire to prevent the wild animals from trying to snatch a little one or pet, or attack you in your sleep.
Only Yah knows who will be eternal or immortal or infinite.

[shaberon]

Triangular shape such as pyramid, or curved triangular like a beehive.

Also, I'm a fan of Garbage Warrior's design. It's half-subterranean, relies on water circulation to regulate temperature, and is its own ecosystem. Processes it's own waste water through algae and bottom feeders, sends it back up to an arboretum which shades the front part of the house. Violates all zoning regulations so I don't think the full design is posted anywhere, although he explains it in a full-length documentary.

Increasing population density seems counter-intuitive to a systemic collapse. The options would seem to be Mongolian style portable yurt villages or some type of fortification. Ring village isn't necessarily a bad concept. But it's going to depend a lot on how many people and what resources are available, and of course location. Water source must be the primary concern. Maybe we should all learn how to dowse.

I wouldn't want to be within 300 miles of BosWash, and how to deal with millions of people suddenly turned out from an unsustainable co-dependent system, well, they're just not going to make it. Again, depends on nature of the collapse, whether death of the petrodollar, drought, flood, volcanic, warfare, or some combination. If it takes long enough, we can just make indestructible stuff by 3d printing with nano-fibers or something like that, but to start soon, I'd look at a charitable trust for the purpose of self-sustaining villagery. You could even buy weapons with it. It's how TPTB operate, so I figure borrowing their tactic for personal use might be effective.

[ozmirage]

[1] Triangular shape such as pyramid, or curved triangular like a beehive.

[2] Also, I'm a fan of Garbage Warrior's design. It's half-subterranean, relies on water circulation to regulate temperature, and is its own ecosystem. Processes it's own waste water through algae and bottom feeders, sends it back up to an arboretum which shades the front part of the house. Violates all zoning regulations so I don't think the full design is posted anywhere, although he explains it in a full-length documentary.

[3] Increasing population density seems counter-intuitive to a systemic collapse.

[4] The options would seem to be Mongolian style portable yurt villages or some type of fortification. Ring village isn't necessarily a bad concept. But it's going to depend a lot on how many people and what resources are available, and of course location. Water source must be the primary concern. Maybe we should all learn how to dowse.

[5] I wouldn't want to be within 300 miles of BosWash, and how to deal with millions of people suddenly turned out from an unsustainable co-dependent system, well, they're just not going to make it. Again, depends on nature of the collapse, whether death of the petrodollar, drought, flood, volcanic, warfare, or some combination.

[6] If it takes long enough, we can just make indestructible stuff by 3d printing with nano-fibers or something like that, but to start soon, I'd look at a charitable trust for the purpose of self-sustaining villagery. You could even buy weapons with it. It's how TPTB operate, so I figure borrowing their tactic for personal use might be effective.
[1] Interior space within a pyramid or a beehive is compromised. Also, not conducive to large, hollow structures.

[2] A ring building, once subdivided, in intrinsically efficient. To illustrate, most sections (segments) have only 2 exposed surfaces out of six. Worst case is the top (3) or bottom (3) section. Thus heat loss / gain is reduced by 66% even before you design for the insulation. (Chinese Hakka people noted that their tulous were cool in summer and warm in winter)

[3] The DRV is an attempt to prosper even if SHTF does not occur, hence the emphasis on population density. Though not popular in America, most of the world utilizes farming villages, where people congregate, for the benefits of mutual defense and cooperation. Having a community close by is vital when one suffers an accident or calamity. It would be tragic to slowly die, alone, in one's pristine rural getaway, because no one else is around.

[4] Water is a vital resource. Efficiently utilizing it is key. But that is an issue in every locale. Reliance on dry composting humanure should reduce consumption.

[5] I concur that any megalopolis is at-risk. However, most, if not all megalopoli are located at transportation hubs and ports, and may not totally collapse.
A DRV may be obsolete as a fixed fortification in a protracted war with modern weapons, but as a means to enhance security from roving mobs and marauders, it would do quite well. A cursory examination of history shows that wealthier folks generally built walled homesteads, to reduce the risk from opportunistic predators.
As a refuge from disaster, it has its merits. And if designed to be autonomous, a collapse of the petrodollar, breakdown in electricity, interruption in fuel delivery, or other event won't matter much. Flood? Depends on wall height. I like a minimum of four stories (40 ft) to a maximum of five stories (50 ft). If the exterior barrier wall is 2 m thick rammed earth, with a ferrocement skin, it should easily endure hydraulic pressures. Think of it as an intrinsic levee. Ditto, for mudslide. Volcanic ashfall can be a problem if the roof deck cannot handle the load. However, if the roof decks are designed for elevated farming, and a substantial soil load, ashfall would not crush the building. However, if not removed before it rains, it may clump up into a kind of cement. . . that would be a major nuisance.

[6] I do not know of any indestructible stuff made by 3D printing, so I can't comment. As to the purchase of weaponry, that's moot. As to defensive capability, a cluster of DRVs would provide a deterrence to any predatory attack. Unlike most walled cities, where one breach spells doom, a cluster of dual ring villages would not be so vulnerable to any single breach. (Coincidentally, the proliferation of "garden walls" around Paris was a deterrent to military incursion in that area.)

In reading about pre-industrial agriculture in Europe and Asia, there are some techniques that would be applicable to the compact DR village. In addition, there are some modern technologies like aquaponics and aeroponics that would boost food production.

Ideally, an autonomous structure should remain comfortable and livable even if the supporting infrastructure is cut off, temporarily or worse. In temperate climates, that's a bit easier than in hot / humid climates (like S.E. America - Dixie). There are a multitude of techniques for getting warm and keeping warm (superinsulation, sunspaces, Trombe walls, solar collectors, reflectors, furnaces, etc), but there are few options to get cool and dehumidified, without mechanical means.

One extraordinary means in a hot / dry climate was demonstrated by Forestiere and his underground gardens.
http://www.undergroundgardens.com/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forestiere_Underground_Gardens

[ozmirage]

Exotic / Alternative / Experimental high yield gardening suitable for Dual Ring Villagers

[] TERRA PRETA:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terra_preta
Terra preta, literally "black earth" or "black land" in Portuguese, is a type of very dark, fertile anthropogenic soil found in the Amazon Basin. Terra preta owes its name to its very high charcoal content, and was made by adding a mixture of charcoal, bone, and manure to the otherwise relatively infertile Amazonian soil.
{The key ingredient appears to be low temperature charcoal from “slash and burn” agriculture. The charcoal locks up nutrients and preserves biological fertility that normally washed away.}

[] CHINAMPAS:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinampas
Chinampa is a method of Mesoamerican agriculture which used small, rectangular areas of fertile arable land to grow crops on the shallow lake beds in the Valley of Mexico.
Sometimes referred to as "floating gardens," chinampas were artificial islands that usually measured roughly 98 ft × 8.2 ft (29.9 m × 2.5 m). Chinampas were separated by channels wide enough for a canoe to pass. These "islands" had very high crop yields with up to 7 crops a year.
{This allowed for farmers to work their fields while sitting down in their canoes. And it was easy to transport crops, with minimal effort. And the fields did not need watering, due to continuous replenishment from the canals. Added bonus was the ease at catching fish, by sealing off the canal ends with nets.}

[] French version of chinampas.
http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hortillonnages_d'Amiens
(There is a translate page function in Google)


A DRV located in wetlands or lowlands near a river might benefit from excavating a network of channels or canals to make chinampas.

[ozmirage]

Happiness in the Dual Ring Village

Whether we know it or not, we like to make a mark and get external validation for our being here. It shows up in some as a seeker of fame and notoriety. Others seek to demonstrate how correct, right, lucky or wise they are. Most seek to acquire the symbols of status, as defined by our culture... fine house, new car, latest appliances, stylish furnishings, etc.

In the past, during the pioneering period, people often banded together and built large projects like colleges, churches, institutions, and cities. And later, those institutions were often transformed by later visionaries.

Tell-a-vision (nod to Swami Beyondananda)

In harmony with the goal of prosperity - doing more with less so more can enjoy - a dual ring village is an instrument to reach that goal. Pursuing happiness is harder to do when one is miserable, at risk, suffering, and or insecure.

Why would one be happier in a dual ring village?
By contrasting DRVs with other forms, one can determine happiness potential.
For example:

• In a raging flood, would you be happier in a watertight DRV or inundated in a wood frame house?
• In a forest fire, would you be happier in a fire resistant DRV or in a flammable log cabin?
• In a cold spell, would you be happier in a snug DRV or in a code compliant underinsulated residence?
• In a civil upheaval, would you be happier in a fortified, gated DRV or in a defenseless tract house?
• In a hurricane, would you be happier in a wind resistant DRV or in an apartment that can’t withstand high winds nor flying debris?
• In an earthquake, would you be happier in a massive curved wall DRV or in a building that can’t withstand seismic forces?
• In a breakdown of civilization, would you be happier in an autonomous DRV or in a city, without power, water, fuel, food, and other necessities?

Unfortunately, we're often reluctant to consider ideas that we didn't think of (not invented here syndrome) or foreign to the "common wisdom" (and subject to ridicule).

I stipulate that a DRV is not the only solution, nor the best for all situations. But as a general solution for a community seeking to prosper over the long term, the DRV offers the most for the least cost.

It goes without saying, that any designer of a fortified village ought to tally up all the known negative features of current urban design, and engineer solutions BEFORE creating new problems.

[ozmirage]

SUBTERRANEAN LIFE

The popular saying "out of sight, out of mind," is appropriate to modern urban design.
You can do a search on the underground skeleton of Disneyworld, and find many references, such as :
http://www.themeparktourist.com/features/20140414/17536/15-things-are-hidden-underground-disneys-magic-kingdom

In short, Disneyworld has a public face (the park) and a private face (below).
(Technically speaking, the utility level is at grade, because they couldn't excavate below grade in Florida. So the public access area is raised above ground level.)

If one wishes to incorporate a subterranean environment inside a DRV, there are many benefits and options.
Designing an underground cistern is simplified, as is waste water collection.
Placing the logistical access "alleys" underneath, frees up more of the surface area.
Locating industrial or manufacturing enterprises below grade minimize their impact, too.
And placing heavy rail underground is ideal, eliminating any conflict with surface transportation. If a group of DRVs are planned, interconnecting tunnels would be an excellent feature to incorporate.

An untested aspect is the installation of subterranean gardens and grottoes.
Forestiere's Underground Garden exhibits up to a 20 degree reduction in ambient temperature, in hot / dry Fresno, California.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forestiere_Gardens

In a hot / humid climate, subterranean areas will be cooler and that means condensation, leading to other problems. However, it is well known that lime wash is a remedy to prevent mold and fungus (popular around the Mediterranean coast). The soil and air in a shaded grotto will be cooler, and may allow for fruits that normally prefer a cooler climate. A central park pierced by openings to underground grottoes, where tree canopies peek through, may be quite a novelty. And when the temperature and humidity are stifling, one may find relief in the shade below the grade.
{The ring road may also have grotto openings to the subgrade corridor, providing another option for mixed levels and 'thickened' 3-D greenspace.}

Overall, such a DRV would have a bountiful green landscape, from the flat roof deck gardens, the balcony planters and trellises, the central park, and the subterranean gardens and grottoes.

[ozmirage]

Whether or not this summer's "heat" erupts into a civil war, I think it would be wise for people to find like minded folks to POOL resources, cooperate, and construct FORTIFIED villages.

The current paradigm for suburban and urban design is woefully inadequate to deal with civil disorder, let alone minor disasters.

My preference is for a dual ring village . . .

DUAL RING VILLAGE
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ring_life/

A dual ring village is, in essence two circular fortresses, one within the other. These circular buildings offer many engineering benefits - increased strength, economy, reduced material, and resistance to side forces. They are inherently disaster resistant to earthquakes, fire, flood, mudslide, wind, flying debris, vermin, predators, and small arms fire. If sufficiently thick, the exterior walls may even block gamma radiation from nuclear fall out (3 ft is the safe minimum). Ditto, for the roof deck.

The dual ring creates a circular main street, between the two rings, and the central area can be whatever the Ringers want - a park, a pasture, a nature preserve, country club, a saucer landing zone and so on. This juxtaposition of an urban environment of mixed use enterprise and dwellings, next to a substantial park is ideal. No matter where one lives, one is but a short distance from one’s vocation, shopping, entertainment, recreation and nature. In addition, the DRV can utilize its rooftop as a garden, safe from pesky intruders at ground level.

The spacing between rings can be narrow - only one lane wide or expansive enough for a parade to march through or a procession to pass. The choice is up to the Ringers, themselves, to determine what kind of main street environment that they want. Ditto, for the overall size.

As to livability, it compares well with the many suggestions stated in "A Pattern Language".
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Pattern_Language

A hexagonal array of DRVs could make up a futuristic mega city which despite high density population, would be eminently livable, with more parkland per occupant, and phenomenal greenspace than any other city on earth. The network of curved roads impose a natural speed limit that eliminates the need for speed bumps and twisty roadways. Roundabout intersections eliminate stoplights and stop-and-go traffic. No need for superhighways, as the whole road system is a fault tolerant mesh with a high average velocity.

http://www.state.nj.us/transportation/eng/tools/CalculatorESafeSpeedLessThanEqualTo50.shtm
Examples:
• For an outer ring road of 150 ft radius, the safe speed is 19 mph.
• For an outer ring road of 300 ft radius, the safe speed is 27 mph.
• For an outer ring road of 600 ft radius, the safe speed is 37 mph.
• For an outer ring road of 900 ft radius, the safe speed is 44 mph.
• For an outer ring road of 1200 ft radius, the safe speed is 50 mph.

By design, a city of dual ring villages and unidirectional ring roads would have inherent speed limitations - especially if roundabouts / traffic circles form the intersections between rings. The urban road system would be a mesh, with no need for stoplights, a moderate average velocity, and fault tolerant in the event of a blockage

What characteristics would attract someone to live in a high density population environment, like a dual ring village, surrounded by countryside?
[] Family oriented, child safe, pleasant neighborhood
[] Luxury hotel - room service - excellent accommodations - luxuries
[] Country club - sports - relaxation - socializing - swimming pool - bar - restaurant
[] Retirement - quiet - restful - low stress - proximity to health care
[] Shopping Mall - varied retail outlets - cooperatives - distribution centers
[] Amusement or Theme Park - games, rides, zoo, play, costumes, role playing,
[] Entertainment - music, theater, movies, dance, production sets
[] Educational - museums, libraries, observatory, laboratories, lecture halls
[] Esthetics - art, sculpture, illumination, fashion, behavior, gracious customs
[] Personal grooming - hair care - nails - skin care - tailor shop - laundry -
[] Health care - dental - clinic - hospice
[] Professional / skilled labor - engineering, construction, repair
[] SCA - fairgrounds - pavilions - gazebo - Shakespearean Globe theater
[] Underground / out of sight infrastructure (freight, utilities, waste, engineering) ex: back alley, etc.
[] Your ideas here _______

What characteristics would you wish to avoid or prevent?
[] Typical complaints: __ noise __ smell __ visual __ ??
[] Vandalism (destruction)
[] Predation (crime, etc)
[] Waste (inefficiency, refuse, garbage)
[] Misery (suffering, loneliness, helplessness, hopelessness)

[ozmirage]

A timely update - - -

There have been other attempts at making a generic solution.
In the old Soviet Union, large housing projects, nicknamed Khrushchyovkas, were rapidly built.

Good Idea - Bad Implementation
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khrushchyovka
Khrushchyovka is an unofficial name for a type of low-cost, concrete-paneled or brick three- to five-storied apartment building which was developed in the Soviet Union during the early 1960s, during the time its namesake Nikita Khrushchev directed the Soviet government.

During January 1951, an architects' convention, supervised by Khrushchev (then the party director of Moscow), declared low-cost, quick technologies the objective of Soviet architects.

During 1954–1961, engineer Vitaly Lagutenko, chief planner of Moscow since 1956, designed and tested the mass-scale, industrialized construction process, relying on concrete panel plants and a quick assembly schedule. During 1961, Lagutenko's institute released the K-7 design of a prefabricated 5-story building that became typical of the Khrushchyovka.

64,000 units (3,000,000 m2 (32,000,000 sq ft)) of this type were built in Moscow from 1961 to 1968. The Khrushchyovkas were cheap, and sometimes an entire building could be constructed within two weeks.

Planners regarded elevators as too costly and as too time-consuming to build, and Soviet health/safety standards specified five stories as the maximum height of a building without an elevator. Thus almost all Khrushchyovkas have five stories.

Typical apartments of the K-7 series have a total area of 30 m2 (323 sq ft) (one-room), 44 m2 (474 sq ft) (two-room) and 60 m2 (646 sq ft) (three-room).
{A 400 sf (20' x 20') efficiency apartment is approximately 38m2}
I could find no specific tally of the number of Khrushchyovkas built across the Soviet Union. Vague references to millions having been built - and nothing more.
Of course, they are considered an embarrassment and now thousands are being demolished, due to their limited lifespan. If one “flies” via Google Earth, the big boxy apartments are ubiquitous, across Russia and the former satellites. Today, many have been converted into mixed use buildings, with offices and businesses on the ground floor, and apartments above.

Coincidentally, the American version - the Federal Housing Project - didn’t learn from the mistakes of the Soviet version. And many “Projects” have since been demolished or renovated into something totally different.

What lessons can we take from both models?
1) High density population doesn’t necessarily mean it has to be under the worst possible conditions, plagued by nuisances (noise, smells, environment, and over crowding).
2) High rise luxury apartments are desirable, whereas high rise “projects” are not. What distinguishes them?
3) Mixed use (businesses, etc) is an essential part of any urban development, providing convenient access to the goods and services for the neighborhood. Added benefit for the owners who can live above their businesses, minimizing commute time.

There were attempts at ring building, in the USSR.

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c0/Dov_8.jpg/275px-Dov_8.jpg
(Higher resolution image at Wikipedia)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Round_Houses_in_Moscow (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Round_Houses_in_Moscow?fbclid=IwAR2MTd3kWz-9gXmQnFPqyGzWpKYgqe2O18zUnCRWEMZy90DbAET9sdkkP5Q)
The diameter of the structure is 155 meters (around 500 feet). It has 26 entrances, 913 apartments and six big archways to enter the courtyard. The first floor of the building contained pharmacies, shops, hair salons, a laundry and tailor shop, also a children's club, and even a library. The isolated courtyard has its own park, with playgrounds for kids and feels like it is a long way away from the busy town. The rooms here are not rectangular but more like trapezoids, which makes it harder to place furniture.
Also the courtyard has bad acoustics – a small noise echoes a lot.
Critics complained that it used up too much land, compared to the typical rectilinear housing projects.
In contrast, a dual ring village composed of five story ring buildings, a single water tight security gate, behind robust barrier walls, provides security from natural disasters. The dual rings provide high population density, and far more parkland per capita, especially if the roof decks are designed to hold soil for gardening. The stacked continuous balconies support planters and greenery, cutting down on hard surface echoes, as well as overcrowding at the ground level. The lower height also reduces catching winds and shadowing of the ring street and park.

The DRV combines the best of rural, suburban and urban living.

Khrushchyovka in videos.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCsFITNT5d0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83DFGFBG-IM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZN-419d7vt4

Interesting observations: In one video, the woman mentioned that she could spend months not ever leaving her immediate neighborhood, since everything was nearby - grocery store - hospital - school - and a nice wooded park.

What would you want in your own dual ring neighborhood?
: : : : : :
Music Video featuring a Khrushchyovka:
Stilyagi (Hipsters)
https://youtu.be/YGZFzm86oe0?t=598

[ozmirage]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinampa (https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FChinampa%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR1mjStYH0BHIqFAlh9xq1su8IRWx0 0nneDiI6bplg-dCXHYI8Qj_yo-KVE&h=AT0Ki4zdu-8oH6cSXX8HRFY2fJ3BrwhhZVJRo3AwWp104XsNhqtc-wRiRIBnmXKg5AxJnkV1kqysZvcoqU5Zlij5k7HxvWAjpodJRhh-A7cJgj_74ErkT11n8XlIX24Qwg&__tn__=-UK-R&c[0]=AT2WWqhB23URJsUllZ7ApMvWK4kUsWPNJ2DD_9-FaqJGdrcVwj895CHqgMzSkrqK8SVi3DSZ2YEkfCrbjNXqo1EzYJHhITdiLqbVvSOH0DOoDyWj2Hhr4UTAtji6D5Go-AHRRfaCrM_XOvkhQnOJuedfsAmjKO2UTz3G7b4)

Many years ago, I watched a nature documentary about precolumbian farming via boats. Archaeologists, from the air, spotted strange herringbone shaped areas in abandoned locations. Turns out that the ancestral people intermixed canals and gardens, not unlike teeth of a comb.
The ability to farm while sitting in a boat, eliminated back breaking labor. One could easily weed or till the soil, and later on, carry your harvest in the boat.
It was also enhanced fisheries, since the fish water was rich in fertilizer, and the plants helped filter it. Win - win.

Dual Ring Villages might incorporate a form of aquaculture and gardening in a similar manner. Perhaps make an annular pond in or around the DRV, and raise shellfish, crustaceans, fish, and water fowl.

RAISED BANK GARDEN ANNULUS POND

Though it might appear to be a moat, it is elevated above grade, so it won’t act as a storm drain nor sewer.
A raised bank garden pond offers several benefits : no-bend tilling from the shore side; and boat access tilling from within the pond. The boat can also haul harvests, etc, reducing labor.
If the fish waste laden pond water is used to irrigate the annulus garden ring, it can drain back into the pond.
The excavated soil can be used to make the raised banks.
Though modest in size, one could swim endlessly in circles.
Harvesting the fish by netting is simplified, as is 'herding' them along.
And it can be better shaded by plants on the banks, reducing algae blooms.

One might also add arched supports for an insect mesh, bird mesh, or vines to grow over the annulus pond. This has multiple benefits - shading to cut down on algae, block avian predators, reduce evaporation, ease of harvesting from the boat, and microclimate enhancement.

OUTER RING ANNULUS / CHINAMPA HYBRID

For this example, let’s assume a DRV radius of 310 feet. We’ll add at least 30ft clearance, for a radius of 340 feet.
We want the pond excavated 3 feet deep, and the raised banks at 3 feet, allowing for a 5 foot water depth.
The annulus width should be no less than 9 feet, thus usable by boats designed to be hauled over the road.

Inner radius = 340 ft ; 103.63 m
Outer radius = 350 ft ; 106.68 m
Area = 21,677 sq ft ; 2013.86 m2
Acreage = 0.5 ; Hectare = 0.2

For water depth of 5
Cubic feet = 108,385
Gallons = 810776
@10 gallons per fish lb = 81,077.6 fish lbs (at harvest)

INNER RING RAISED BED GARDEN
340-4 = 336 ft radius; 4' wide bed (24" reach from either side)
Area = 8,495 sq ft ; 789.20 m2
Acreage = 0.2 ; Hectare = 0.08

OUTER RING RAISED BED GARDEN
350+4 = 354 ft radius; 4' wide bed
Area = 8,947.3 sq ft; 831.23 m2
Acreage = 0.21 ; Hectare = 0.08

Combined, 0.41 acres; 0.16 H
(A typical raised bed garden loses area to walkways, etc.)

The pond's circumference is 2167.7 ft; 660.7 m
(two and a half laps = a mile swim)




https://permies.com/t/63991/a/48739/chinampa_anthrome.files.wordpress.com.gif


Imagine a hoop arch between the willow trees, extending over the water.


50729

[ozmirage]

Post COVID 2019 Pandemic Quarantine perspective

The ability for a dual ring village to effectively close access to itself would allow the occupants to maintain quarantine without needing to shut themselves away in their homes and apartments.

This can be enhanced with a means to disinfect deliveries, via a special portal, that might have UV-C lamps to irradiate packages.

In preparation for another pandemic quarantine, a dual ring village could be engineered with features that would better support the quality of life for the villagers. This could range from social activities, neighbor check ins, to telemetry from sensors for proof of life (ex: "Fit" watches).

In this regard, the more each DRV is autonomous and self supporting, the better.

[ozmirage]

Lunatic Fringe Hat [on]
In that dim post-SHTF, post-Fossil fuel land, that we call the future, what might be an optimal way to maintain prosperity, provide a comfortable standard of living, and secure our lives, liberties, and properties from attack by extremes of nature?

One option is the dual ring village, but that is not ideal for all terrain nor climates. But where advisable, a DRV can offer many benefits.

In flood plains, the barrier wall can protect from flooding. And in worst case breach of the wall, the upper levels and roof deck can provide a refuge.
(Multiple DRVs are a redundant means to be insure safety from flood waters. Not dependent upon levee integrity is wise. Of course, governments like us to be dependent upon THEM, regardless of the risk to the people.)

In a power deprived future, transportation will rely on the most efficient means - water & rail. It might be cost effective to construct the raised bank annulus pond (Ring river? Ring canal?) between the two ring buildings. This would allow the circle of water to support moving heavy cargo with minimal effort. And if bridges spanning the waterway had winches installed, it would be a simple matter to haul the cargo to upper levels. And folks might enjoy sitting out on their balconies, observing the interesting mix of gardens, water fowl, swimming, and working on the water. Everyone would have “waterfront” property. (During cold winters, if the water freezes, one might substitute ice riding sleighs for the boats. Ditto, for ice skating in the round.)
"Venice on a beer budget."

In high population density environments, the sidewalk and streets become swamped with people trying to move about. In a DRV with stacked continuous balconies / walkways, one need not go down to the street level to move around the ring. This reduces congestion on the ground floor, and enhances efficiency.

In any weather extreme, the surface area of one’s dwelling determines how much heat is lost or gained. An apartment in a ring building minimizes that exposure. Best case scenario, only one surface may be exposed to the elements (in a ring with apartments facing inward and outward). Perhaps one need only superinsulate the exposed wall, and have insulated shutters for the glass portions, to insure comfort during periods of extreme temperature.

In a megacity composed of closely packed hexagonal arrays of dual ring villages, the junction of any three DRVs is an ideal place for a traffic circle / roundabout. And that junction can also support a multistory parking garage. And that could also be extended downward as a subway station (serving 3 DRVs). The top level could also be used for an elevated suspended monorail station. (Suspended monorails can “lean” in turns, improving performance). The mesh network of curved ring roads and roundabouts, provide a fault tolerant transit pathway that inherently reduces speeding (due to the radius of curvature) while eliminating the need for stop lights / stop signs (no 4-way intersections).
All rail mass transit options follow straight lines tangent to the DRVs, while surface roads are large radius curves.

In the furtherance of more abundant life, the external skin of the barrier wall might support a helical ramp, that is reserved for wildlife habitat. Exposed to the elements but isolated from the Ringers within, the spiraling habitat would keep animals away from streets and vehicles that travel upon them. It might even be reasonable to extend bridges between DRV habitat rings. A gravity fed meandering brook would provide the necessary water for the lifestock.


RAMP ZOO
To illustrate, for r, R, we can compute area
. . . . . feet . . .meters
. . r = 350 . . 106.68
. . R =370 . . 112.78
Area = 45238.9 sq ft; 4202.83 m2
Acreage = 1.04; 0.42 H

4 stories= 3.12; 1.26 H
5 stories= 4.15; 1.68 H
(This area will marginally increase once you factor in the slope of the ramp)

Each DRV, with an external wall radius of 350 ft, has a surface area of pi x radius squared, or 384,845 sq ft (8.83 acres).
In its place almost half of the wildlife habitat area is restored, not counting the parkland within.

[ozmirage]

UPSCALED WILDLIFE HABITAT
Previously mentioned was the construction of a spiral ramp on the exterior barrier wall, to support wildlife habitat. Each ramp had the same radius of curvature.

One possible option is to make the first level of the wildlife habitat wide enough to abut adjacent ramps of DRVs. In essence, the lowest level is raised above the roadways. Then begin the ramp with a gradually reducing radius. As the spiraling ramp goes up, it gets narrower. This provides air space for trees, and eliminates the need for a special bridge between DRV ramp zoos. The wildlife habitat is interconnected, all across the megacity.
As the ramp spirals up, the gap between DRVs becomes a “V” shaped valley, over which an elevated suspended monorail might travel, surrounded by trees and habitat.

In this manner, functionally isolated wildlife habitat co-exists with human habitat, amplifying the life bearing volume of the finite surface area.

[ozmirage]

ROLLER COASTER RAIL
Can we have super efficient mass transit?
Yes.
A frugal, energy saving civilization can rely on gravity assisted mass transit, not unlike roller coasters, to rapidly traverse compact cities.
. . .
Depending on ring design, stations will be at four or five stories high, with a nice steep decline to accelerate down into a subway tunnel, whipping along nicely at 60mph, with perhaps an electric assist to keep speeds up.

Approaching your station, the car decelerates as it rises out and up... where a mechanical chain is snagged and drags your slowed car up to the top.

Due to the circular ring, it is trivial to shunt the car to another ramp, allowing for a change in direction to a different descent ramp.

For a DRV of 700 ft diameter, to reach the fourth DRV is no less than 2100 ft (0.4 miles). At an average speed of 60 MPH, that’s about a half minute of transit (plus acceleration / deceleration + 5 seconds or so).

A RING CITY of 2000+ DRVs, arranged in concentric circles, forming 27 rings, would have worst case distance of 54 DRVs ( 37,800 ft / 7.16 miles).

54 / 3 = 18 stations, an express trip @ 60 MPH would take less than 8 minutes.

With half minute stops at 17 intervening stations, worst case is about 16 minutes to travel from one side to the other.

Velocity = Acceleration x Time; for 32.17 ft/sec sec (9.80 m/s2)
A drop of 100 ft (30.6 m) would impart a velocity of 54.8 mph (24.5 m/s)
With minimal electrical assist it could maintain 60 mph velocity.
Upon reaching its destination / exit, it would decelerate as it rises up. And a mechanical chain drive could drag the slowed car to the top.

A more modest drop of 58 ft (17.7 m) would impart a velocity of 41.6 mph (18.63 m/s).

[ozmirage]

A MEGA CITY (over 10 million inhabitants) w/ 1000 in each DRV, would need a minimum of 10,000 DRVs, arranged in concentric circles, forming 59 rings, (550 ft overall radius, inc. outer ring roadway) thus would have worst case distance of (59 x 2) +1) DRV widths.
( (550ft x 2) x 119) = 130,900 ft, or 24.79 miles at the widest.
[482.72 sq miles; population density = 20,715/ sq mi]
[Comparisons :
San Francisco = 18,440 / sq mi;
Mexico City = 21,750;
St Petersburg = 22,069]

Logistically speaking, it would be very efficient, able to move cargo and passengers throughout the megacity, with speed and frugality.
(What "it"? The intrinsic subway tunnel network that was excavated with the DRV foundations. A 4 track rail system can support up to 100,000 passengers per hour, have dedicated express and local service, and is fault tolerant to blockages and breakdowns. The hexagonal grid of DRVs would have 3 tangent lines, each with parallel rights of way, providing up to 118 rights of way, or 10 million per hour.)

35 Megacities would have a 700 million capacity.

[Matthew]

Post COVID 2019 Pandemic Quarantine perspective

The ability for a dual ring village to effectively close access to itself would allow the occupants to maintain quarantine without needing to shut themselves away in their homes and apartments.

This can be enhanced with a means to disinfect deliveries, via a special portal, that might have UV-C lamps to irradiate packages.

In preparation for another pandemic quarantine, a dual ring village could be engineered with features that would better support the quality of life for the villagers. This could range from social activities, neighbor check ins, to telemetry from sensors for proof of life (ex: "Fit" watches).

In this regard, the more each DRV is autonomous and self supporting, the better.

Do we really need to disinfect deliveries and have UV-C lamps to irradiate packages? Neighbor check ins sounds like a hell we want to avoid. Forgive me if I am missing sarcasm.

[ozmirage]

Post COVID 2019 Pandemic Quarantine perspective

The ability for a dual ring village to effectively close access to itself would allow the occupants to maintain quarantine without needing to shut themselves away in their homes and apartments.

This can be enhanced with a means to disinfect deliveries, via a special portal, that might have UV-C lamps to irradiate packages.

In preparation for another pandemic quarantine, a dual ring village could be engineered with features that would better support the quality of life for the villagers. This could range from social activities, neighbor check ins, to telemetry from sensors for proof of life (ex: "Fit" watches).

In this regard, the more each DRV is autonomous and self supporting, the better.

Do we really need to disinfect deliveries and have UV-C lamps to irradiate packages? Neighbor check ins sounds like a hell we want to avoid. Forgive me if I am missing sarcasm.
Disinfection : If a new undiscovered pathogen shows up, it may be the prudent thing to do. And a UV-C lamp is the least intrusive means, AFAIK.
Neighbor check ins : perhaps you think it is a lesser hell, to be lying helpless on the floor, alone, and slowly dying.

FWIW - one of my oldest friends was found unconscious at the foot of his stairs by a neighbor. Turns out he had COVID-19, and spent 3 weeks in the hospital in intensive care.

[Matthew]

I'm sorry about your friend. Severe covid has been overrated and the risk of death is especially low.

[ozmirage]

I'm sorry about your friend. Severe covid has been overrated and the risk of death is especially low. Well, at the time, a lot of healthcare professionals were toppling over, which alarmed "someone." And no one had a clue about "Long COVID" that cropped up in those who recovered - myself included. I had the tell tale loss of taste / smell & a few other unpleasant symptoms. My pulse oximeter readings were well below normal for 2 years afterward. Only recently have I returned to 95%. But there are thousands and thousands who are afflicted. One hopes that we all recover.

But if a disinfecting UV-C lamp would've reduced my chances of getting infected, I would not hesitate to use that remedy. Using 20-20 hindsight, that is to say - what one sees after pulling out one's head.

[ozmirage]

On a lark, I perused local real estate listings for properties over $1 million, and found many with large amounts of land in the countryside. This led me to the thought that a prospective group of "Ringers" could buy such a place, and use the main house for construction crew lodgings while the dual ring village in under construction. 300 charter subscribers could chip in $10,000 and have a nest egg of $3 million.

In the past, I presumed that Ringers would only be looking at unimproved land, and made assumptions accordingly. However, if a parcel already has a house on it, basic utilities should be available, too.

The end result is to build a prosperous cooperative community, that generates far more usable surplus to trade and enjoy.

Here's an example - a bit pricey (asking $3+ mil, but the sale history shows it was 1.4 mil recently) - bet they'd take a low ball cash offer. 164 acres. Private lake. Large garages suitable for storing construction equipment. Near Alabama border, 60 miles due west of Atlanta, GA. Could possibly fit 3 or more DRVs. Have your own retirement community with on-site amenities and luxuries. . . even better, set it up as a Church owned parcel and keep it off the tax rolls. Members could have life estates and thus establish their inhabitant status.

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/183-Madden-Rd-Bowdon-GA-30108/69920250_zpid/
50952
50953
https://www.google.com/maps/place/183+Madden+Rd,+Bowdon,+GA+30108/@33.5761353,-85.2376837,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x888b22540959c87d:0x73858c03c92aff45!8m2!3d33.5761353!4d-85.2351088!16s%2Fg%2F11c2gm60gs

Poultry farms are a big thing in the area. If you like chicken and catfish, fresh from the lake, you're going to like it there.



Ah, dream on - - -

[ozmirage]

A MEGA CITY (over 10 million inhabitants) w/ 1000 in each DRV, would need a minimum of 10,000 DRVs, arranged in concentric circles, forming 59 rings, (550 ft overall radius, inc. outer ring roadway) thus would have worst case distance of (59 x 2) +1) DRV widths.
( (550ft x 2) x 119) = 130,900 ft, or 24.79 miles at the widest.
[482.72 sq miles; population density = 20,715/ sq mi]
[Comparisons :
San Francisco = 18,440 / sq mi;
Mexico City = 21,750;
St Petersburg = 22,069]

Logistically speaking, it would be very efficient, able to move cargo and passengers throughout the megacity, with speed and frugality.
(What "it"? The intrinsic subway tunnel network that was excavated with the DRV foundations. A 4 track rail system can support up to 100,000 passengers per hour, have dedicated express and local service, and is fault tolerant to blockages and breakdowns. The hexagonal grid of DRVs would have 3 tangent lines, each with parallel rights of way, providing up to 118 rights of way, or 10 million per hour.)

35 Megacities would have a 700 million capacity.

THE ONE RING THAT BINDS THEM

Instead of the current paradigm to use skyscrapers to support the concentration of businesses and services in close proximity to each other, in a city center, let’s consider a totally different approach... and let’s use the previous megacity values.

Let’s imagine laying all those skyscrapers on their sides, and joining them into one big ring.
If a circumferential ring building surrounded the concentric circles, it might have the diameter of 131,000 ft (24.8 mi) or a circumference of 77.9 miles.
Let’s make the “one” ring 100 ft thick x 5 stories tall (50').
[World Trade Tower 1 had an exterior dimension of 208' x 208', but inside that square shape, the widest portion for office space was only 60' (2 sections). The 88' wide core was taken up by elevators, express & local, engineering, and emergency escape stairwells.]
77.9 miles x 100 ft thick x 5 stories = approx 205,686,354 sq ft of floorspace
If 1/20 the population worked there, that would be 400 sq ft per worker.
[In comparison, Manhattan houses more than 463 million square feet of office space, the majority of which is in Midtown.]
If we extend the foundation depth to 5 stories, that doubles the available floorspace, approaching Manhattan’s capacity.

That’s one big building - perfect site for a business district or an industrial base - or the seat of local government - or an airport and hangars (circular runway as envisioned by Henk Hesseklink (https://simpleflying.com/circular-runways-guide/)) - or transient lodgings - or more apartments - or service industries - or warehouses - or studios - or perhaps all of those functions, and more.

And while excavating the deep foundation, install a six track wide subterranean rail right of way. 4 tracks for high speed passenger (local, express) and 2 tracks for slow heavy freight. . . with requisite spurs to keep the tracks clear.
[Each track has the equivalent carrying capacity of a 9 lane superhighway -- with no intersections]
No point on the ring is more than 39 miles away (24.8 mi, if a commuter cross town line is available), nor inaccessible by mass transit. (With express rail, approx. 40 minutes or less; with high speed mag-lev (ex: Shanghai 268 mph (431 km/h), approx. 9 minutes or less.)
Suspended monorails may be even better - since the cars can tilt with the curve as speed increases.

Benefits : reduced energy costs to move passengers, freight, and resources; reduced area needed for building core; reduced risk of being trapped by fire & accidents; reduced risk from earthquakes, less channeled wind, and less risk from objects falling off (like glass from broken windows) and other extremes. Also not likely to be hit by airplanes.

Of course, it may be more practical to use a smaller diameter continuous ring, and have it surrounded by neighborhood rings, inside and outside the perimeter. But that will depend on the particular situation, and if the requirement for a circular runway is important.

The net result is a much greater efficiency of surface area, while preserving the quality of life for the ten million "Ringers."

The DRV portion = 482.72 sq miles (of mixed use habitat & parkland)
The circumferential ring only adds 1.47 sq miles to the overall megacity, while adding 410 milllion square feet of industrial space, a convenient rail corridor, and enhanced transportation logistics.

[ozmirage]

Continuing in the vein of a circumferential ring 'round a mega city . . .

City of JEFFERSON, District of New Columbia
- - - -

Let's imagine relocating the nation's capital from foggy bottom, Washington, D.C. to a new central location.

It is not impossible to amend the constitution, and give a grant of land to form a new Federal district, independent of any state.

As to relocating to a place close to the geographic center, which is located (in a 1918 survey) at 39°50′N 98°35′W, in Kansas about 2.6 miles (4.2 km) northwest of the center of Lebanon, approximately 12 miles (19 km) south of the Kansas-Nebraska border... why not?

In fact, the new grant might be increased from 10 miles x 10 miles, to perhaps 20 miles x 20 miles, to better accommodate the expansion of the government's administrative and military offices. It could be a planned city with a network of subways installed before any buildings are erected, providing convenient mass transit for the huge workforce. Operating on 2 minute headways using traffic signal progression, a well-designed two-track system can handle up to 30 trains per hour per track, achieving peak rates of over 20,000 passengers per hour in each direction. More advanced systems with separate rights-of-way using moving block signaling can exceed 25,000 passengers per hour per track. That's approaching 100,000 passengers per hour in a four track system. In contrast, highways have ultimate capacity limits of 2,000 vehicles per hour, due to safety. The average car occupancy on many roads carrying commuters is only about 1.2 people per car, which means that a 4 track system (express and local) would have the equivalent capacity of 41 lanes of superhighway.

As a precaution against terrorism, the construction of deep sublevels, immune from conventional explosions, would be wise. So we combine the excavation of the subways with foundations, where applicable.

Even the city layout could go against convention. Instead of a concentration of offices in the center (a tempting target) the various government installations could form a contiguous ring... a security perimeter, if you will. Visualize a circle with a 10 mile radius. A ring building 63 miles in circumference - that's BIG. Inside the enclosed ring, apartments, parks, lakes and memorial areas could be located, in relative safety. A circular bidirectional subway would efficiently serve all the offices in the ring building, without the need for turnabouts, intersections, sidings and crossings. If the express track runs at 125 mph (200 kph) no location is more than 15 minutes away (31.5 miles half way around).

And any expansion outside the district for bedroom communities would have a shorter commute, to reach the ring subway and any other mass transit radiating from the center of the ring, such as streetcars / trams.

Logistics would be simple, too. Freight and other cargo can run on subway tracks, as well. To insure no interference with the high speed express service, slow freight may be run on a parallel pair of tracks. If you're already building deep subterranean levels and foundations, what's the barrier to adding another 24 feet of width?

Locating two airports, one commercial, one military, a short distance away, also served by high speed rail, takes care of air transport concerns while not flying over the capital.
Or better yet, build a circular runway (as envisioned by Henk Hesseklink) a convenient distance from the Big Ring.

Now what do we do with all that excavated earth? Imagine if the curved walls were built of rammed earth, 3 meters thick? Now we have a robust, barrier wall for the exterior. A five story design (50' high) should be more than sufficient to deal with any foreseeable flood. 10ft (3m) is sufficient thickness to shield against gamma radiation, as well as Mother Nature's wrath (tornado, flood, snow drifts, temperature extremes, etc), providing insulation, acoustic isolation, protection from flying debris, and so on. It's not perfect, but it will endure far more natural calamities than conventional construction.

And such a design could accommodate over 4 million Ringers, in an optimized urban setting, with plenty of greenspace, parks, play areas, wildlife habitat, minimal vehicles on the road, no heavy trucks doing deliveries, and all within a security perimeter.

Of course, governments do not run on common sense, so this is an exercise in pure fantasy.


50962
the "endless" runway, encircling a ring

[ozmirage]

"Punk Amish" DRV

“Punk” Amish - as in self sufficient / low consumption lifestyle, but not necessarily devoid of technology. However, the most advanced (and frugal) items are the result of a long line of ever more expensive predecessors.
Ex: Computers that were $2000 in 1984, are surpassed (in computing power) by smart phones, costing 1/10... in debauched “currency.”
This fact underscores the problem of “preparation” before knowing what is to come.
A general rule - the less you need to buy at retail, the less you need to earn / have. Assuming that you haven’t “withdrawn” from the socialist democracy, you would still have obligations and taxes based on those privileges. Reducing those would be helpful.

Envisioning the Punk Amish DRV - - -
Prosperity is not based on "their" money tokens, however they're configured. Real prosperity is based on prodigious production of surplus usable goods and services, equitably traded and enjoyed. That's why we know we're being hosed, because the rising population means more laborers, whose output can be multiplied and amplified by tools, machines, automation, etc, to generate surplus. Yet we can readily see poverty all around. "Someone" is taking a mighty "skim" for themselves... and not contributing any useful labor in exchange.

Moving on -

Imagine a modest DRV, using previous examples, but with a few twists: A raised annulus pond down the middle of the ring street, providing inexpensive water transport 'round the ring. A small child could tow several tons of cargo. . . for fun.

This raises the question : how does one cross the raised pond to reach the inner ring or the round park within? Tunnel under or bridge over? (Depends on the design clearance for cargo on the annulus and thus the height of all bridges)

And if there are many DRVs in a ring city, add "roller coaster" gravity powered rail mass transit, linking various roundabout stations. Again, low consumption, high standard of living.

If the exterior helical ramp system is incorporated into the "new" urban paradigm, providing extensive wildlife habitat, one might consider the benefits of an internal helical ramp - for wheeled vehicles : bicycles, electric unicycles, wheel chairs, skateboards, etc., etc. Also add a continuous moving grab line for those who don't have the strength to roll up the ramp.

For example, a 310ft radius outer ring wall, might have a 270 ft radius inner wall, with a circumference of 1,696.46 ft (517.06 meters)
A ramp rise of 10 ft over 1,696.46 is very shallow (0.5 % gradient)
An ADA curb ramp must have no more than a 1:12 ratio, or no greater than a 8.33% slope.
A ramp on the inner ring outer wall will be a "steeper" gradient, but not by much. Again, it depends on the width of the ring road.
If we assume two 12' ring lanes + 12' annulus pond, then the ramp radius might be 234 ft (270 - 36); and a circumference of 1,470.2 ft.

It may be simpler to run multiple ramps using 1/3 to 1/4 the circumference.

These ramps can have landings on each of the continuous balconies, providing easy access for Ringers. Folks can roll and stroll, up and down, and all around.

In this way, Ring life can be "rich" without needing a lot of resources, fuel, power, etc.