Panarchistic Architecture : Chapter 8 ebook

Panarchistic Architecture Building Wildland Urban-Interface Resilience to Wildfire through Design Thinking, Practice, and Building Codes Modelled on Ecological Systems Theory

Melissa Sterry

Citation: Sterry, M. L., (2018) Panarchistic Architecture: Building Wildland-Urban Interface Resilience to Wildfire through Design Thinking, Practice and Building Codes Modelled on Ecological Systems Theory. PhD Thesis, Advanced Virtual and Technological Architecture Research [AVATAR] group, University of Greenwich, London.

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Chapter 8

The Panarchic Codex “The aspiration of design for deconstruction is to code the logic of unmaking into the building from the very earliest point of its making... designing for a building to end well”.

Cairns and Jacobs, 2014.

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8.1 Overview Concluding the five-part case studies series, the proposed WUI building codes, collectively known as the Panarchic Codex, represent the convergence of insights from multiple fields of interrogation, of which the foci has been the fire regimes and the behaviours and ecologies thereof, as documented both within parts I – IV, and throughout the wider body of the thesis. These codes are intended as a point of departure that will inform yet further research into the potentialities of aligning anthropogenic architectural and urban systems to the functioning of the ever-evolving landscapes, and ultimately, Earth Systems to which they are integral. Their name a nod to the Codex Atlanticus [1], conceptually, the codes constitute three architectural ‘Pyro Moirai’ [fire fates], wherein, from the outset, materially, structurally, and informatically, the lifecycle of a building is synced with its pyro-environment. Though an integral part of this thesis, the codex has been designed to work as a standalone tool for use in architecture and planning workshops that will be attended by researchers and practitioners alike.

Therefore, though paradigmatically it is a thing apart from the Californian Fires Codes of present, its format and section headers have been informed by the structure thereof.

Further ways in which the codex will be utilised to continue the research initiated within the study programme include that of a thought-provocation piece within presentations, podcasts, and other on and offline media, discussions, and debates.

[1] Compiled by Pompeo Leoni in the 16th century, the Codex Atlanticus is a 12-part bound volume of Leonardo da Vinci’s interrogations, ideas, and innovations of intent to address wideranging science, engineering, and design problems. Within its 1,119 pages reside many of da Vinci’s city planning, construction, utilities, and other urban works, together with writings and sketches on topics as diverse as botany, hydrology, manufacturing, and defence.

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The Panarchic Codex

California Code of Regulations 2030 Wildland Urban Interface PARTS 1 -3

Category: Low-rise Residential

Effective January 1, 2030

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Preface This document is Parts 1-3 of an unspecified number of parts of the California Code of Regulations 2030, also known as the Panarchic Codex. Applicable to occupants of low-rise residential properties in the wildland-urban-interface in the State of California, these building regulations, or standards, have the force of law, and take effect 135 months after their publication.

Editio princeps

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Table of Contents

Preface

4

Part #1 : Pyro-evaders

12

Table of Contents

5

Section 1: Data Network Architecture

14

Glossary

6

Section 2: Structural In-Situ Resistance

15

Organisations

8

Section 3: Regenerative Material Assemblies

16

Effective Use

9

Part #2: Pyro-endurers

17

Safety Provisions

10

Section 1: Data Network Architecture

19

General Requirements

11

Section 2: Structural In-Situ Resistance

20

Section 3: Regenerative Material Assemblies

21

Part #3: Pyro-resistors

22

Section 1: Data Network Architecture

24

Section 2: Structural In-Situ Resistance

25

Section 3: Regenerative Material Assemblies

26

Panarchic Oath

Disclaimer

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Glossary ArchiDNA: Architectural specifications, including structural design, material assemblage, fixtures, and fittings which have been synthetically sequenced and stored in DNA. ArchiDNA-cloning: The process of architectural replication enabled by Synthetic Subsurface Bio-Root Systems.

MaterialDNA: Material specifications, including molecular composition and properties including density and strength, which have been synthetically sequenced and stored in DNA. Pyri-CONE: Synthetic Pyriscence-Dispersed-Seeds container-vessel, which releases its contents upon the melting of the Synthetic Serotinous Substance that affixes its external parts.

Pyro-Evaders: Architectures adapted to persist in mixed and high-severity fire regimes, including mixed-pine forests.

Pyro-Endurers: Architectures adapted to persist in low and mixed-severity fire regimes, including chaparral and oak forests.

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Pyro-Resistors: Architectures adapted to persist in low and mixed-severity fire regimes, including Ponderosa pine forests.

Retardant Bio-Bark: Exterior wall-plating system, which modelled on fire-retardant rhytidome, features fissures and furrows of which the design dissipates heat. Materially, whether biologically or synthetically cultivated, its molecular structure, in combination with its horizontal thickness, insulate against low to mixed intensity wildfires.

Structural-Abscission System: Enabled by mechanical and/or morphological material response, a system that inhibits fire’s capacity to climb building exteriors by shedding of flammable parts. System activation may be seasonally cyclic and/or automated in response to wildfire’s presence.

Subsurface Shelter-in-Place: Below ground-level emergency shelter, which submerged to a depth sufficient to accommodate for no less than 1m width between ceiling and surface, is protected by a mineral-based re-enforced shell.

Equipped with biosensors that register human habitation, upon use activates internal independent oxygen-supply and emits a signal to regional emergency services.

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Glossary Surface-level DNAta-Storage System: Freestanding above ground DNA data storage system, which protected by Retardant Bio-Bark is external to buildings.

Synthetic Pyriscence-Dispersed-Seeds: ArchiDNA storage system, which transportable, may be distributed at multiple spatial-temporal scales. Dispersal processes include gravity, ballistic propulsion, and wind. System exhibits dormancy until chemical and/or heat- activated mechanisms release data in response to wildfire’s passing.

Synthetic Subsurface Bio-Root System: Subsurface ArchiDNA data storage and environmental sensing network that initiates architectural cloning upon the passing of wildfire. Embedded below building foundations, the system connects at the hyper-local to regional level, exchanging data between homes, businesses, and district hubs.

Synthetic Serotinous Substance: Synthetic resin that affixes the exterior parts of a Pyri-CONE. Upon its melting the cone initiates a mechanical response that that distributes its Synthetic Pyriscence-Dispersed-Seeds.

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Organisations Office of Wildland Urban Interface Living: A civic department dedicated to the provision of advisories and permissions, including planning, to residents of the wildlandurban-interface. Amongst other projects, OWUI run the Mosaical Carbon-Based Materials Distribution Programme, which ensures that architectural and urban developments create appropriately spaced open-spaces, including public squares and parks, lakes and ponds, transportation routes, and sports fields, by means of limiting regional fuel- loads, and creating pockets of refuge during wildfires.

Office of Ethics and Environmental Governance: A civic department concerned with provision of tools, materials, and programmes which are designed to enhance citizen capacity to tackle social and environmental problems both within and beyond their community.

Regional Landscape Ecology Office: A civic department that provides citizenry with open access to advisories on regional ecologies, including the role of biota in maintaining ecosystemic health and the many systems, including hydrology, as are reliant thereupon.

Synthetic DNA-Seed-Banks: Private and civic facilities that provide safe storage of synthetically-modified DNA by means of providing residents with insurance, and reassurance, that their biologically stored data, and all it facilities, is protected. National and/or local governmentregulated entities, SDSBs also help in preventing against environmental contamination through accidental release of Synthetic Pyriscence-Dispersed, and other synthetically created DNA data storage seeds.

Office of Experimental Design Endeavours: A civic department that evaluates architectural, urban, and design experiments that may pose threat to the environment and/or human life.

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Effective Use The Panarchic Codex, hereon referred to as “the codex”, is a model code designed in accordance with the principles of Panarchistic Architecture and its accompanying theorems.

While accommodating of the processes of ecological and planetary systems more generally, its application is bespoke to low-rise residential buildings located amidst the low, mixed, and high-severity fire regimes of the State of California.

The codex incorporates concepts derived from fire-adapted plant genera of the variants Evader, Endurer, and Resistor, including the following functional traits: • Pyriscence • Pyrogermination • Abscission

Use of the codex requires prior familiarisation with fundamental facets of wildfire science, including fire frequencies, intensities, severities, and behaviours.

Occupants unfamiliar therewith are required to contact the Regional Landscape Ecology Office for information on open access courses, publications, and events that are suited to their particular educational needs.

California’s wildland urban interface areas fall under one of three primary architectural classifications: Pyro-Evader, Pyro-Endurer, and Pyro-Resistor, together with variants thereof. Occupants need refer to the website of the Office of Wildland Urban Interface Living for clarification of the class unto which their zip code is ascribed.

Prior to submission of planning permissions, occupants and their representatives are required to take the Panarchic Oath, thereon submit a signed copy thereof to the Office of Ethics and Environmental Governance.

• Retardant rhytidome • Resprouting

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Safety Provisions The following apply to all 3 pyro-persistent architectural types:

• Prescription medications used by residents [2].

On and off-site DNA storage of the following documentation:

Provision of no less than one Subsurface Shelter-in-Place.

Size to be proportionate to the property, and accommodate for the following:

• Passports and/or identity cards.

• Marriage, Birth and Death certificates.

• All persons resident in the household.

• Household and other insurance documents.

• All guests in-residence at any one time.

• Plus, 3 or more others.

Subsurface Shelter-in-Place to be equipped with the following:

Biological and synthetic in-grounds plantings to be appropriate to the local fire-regime: • Avoid use of invasive species, including non-native grasses.

• Use Regional Landscape Ecology Office guidelines.

• Independent lighting source [1].

• Seek independent expert advice on use of modified species.

• Oxygen-supply-level sensor and warning alarm.

• Drinking of no less than 2 litres per head.

• First Aid Kit, including burns dressings and pain relief.

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[1] Extends to all non-toxic chemiluminescent and bioluminescent bio-lighting variants.

[2] Including, but not limited to, treatments for asthma and other respiratory diseases, diabetes, heart conditions, and mental health.

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General Requirements The following apply to all 3 pyro-persistent architectural types: Both exterior and interior fabrication specifications require MaterialDNA properties to be selected to enable material redistribution that propagates ecological and/or architectural renewal processes upon the passing of wildfire.

MaterialDNA to be programmed to adapt to periodic changes to the historical fire regime, including shifts in frequency, intensity, level within the biomass strata, and behaviours more generally.

Residents that seek to integrate wildfire as production process for the creation and/or modification of architectural components, fittings, fixtures, furniture, and features need first obtain certified approval from the Office of Experimental Design Endeavours.

Residents are responsible for ensuring the safekeeping of remotely stored Synthetic Pyriscence-Dispersed-Seeds and their ArchiDNA and MaterialDNA contents. Storage via one of California’s approved Synthetic DNA-Seed-Banks is highly recommended.

Post-fire architectural biofabrication processes, including recycling of burnt and damaged materials to occur within a radius of 3,000 hectares within areas classified as Wildland Urban Interface, Intermix, and Occluded.

Post-fire upcycling of burnt debris into architectural components, fittings, fixtures, furniture, and features is limited to that which has been collected within the property boundaries, the exception thereto being items which have been displaced by explosion, sediment transportation, and other events incurred in consequence of wildfire.

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Pyroevaders Evolved to persist in WUI adjoining mixed and high-severity fire regimes, such as Yellowstone’s Lodgepole pine forests, pyro-evading architectures comprise functional traits selected to evade relatively infrequent, but high intensity fires.

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The Panarchic Codex

PYROEVADERS PART #1

Fire Regime: Mixed-severity / High-severity Frequency: Low / Intensity: High

Effective January 1, 2030

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SECTION 1: Data Network Architecture 1.1 ArchiDNA to be embedded in Synthetic PyriscenceDispersed-Seeds of which the materiality, form, and morphology is appropriate to the local fire-regime frequencies, intensities, and behaviours.

1.2 Pyri-CONE dispersal variant of Synthetic PyriscenceDispersed-Seeds [i.e. ballistic propulsion] to be informed by factors including hyper- local topography, hydrology, soil structure, and atmospheric conditions.

1.6 Depth of post-fire submersion of Synthetic PyriscenceDispersed- Seeds to be approximate to that of seeds of neighbouring biological evader species.

1.7 ArchiDNA and other systemic upgrades to Synthetic Pyriscence-Dispersed-Seeds to be synced to the frequency of the local fire regime.

1.3 Synthetic Serotinous Substance affixing Pyri-CONE parts to be chemically calibrated to intensity of local historical fireregime.

1.4 Synthetic Pyriscence-Dispersed-Seeds to be fitted with biosensors that can detect the presence of wildfire smoke’s chemical signature, thereon initiate the process of architectural renewal via the distribution of ArchiDNA. 1.5 Abundance of Synthetic Pyriscence-Dispersed-Seeds to be relative to the frequency and severity of the local historical fire-regime.

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SECTION 2: Structural In-Situ Resistance 2.1 Structural form, layout, and height must mitigate the risk of spread of fire by reducing vulnerabilities at the level wildfire typically spreads within the local fire-regime [i.e. raise or lower building features accordingly].

2.2 New-build residences located in mixed-to-high-severity fire-regimes are required to seek approval from the Office of Wildland Urban Interface Living’s Mosaical Carbon-Based Materials Distribution Programme.

2.3 New-build residences located on slopes graded 7% or greater require additional planning approvals by the Office of Wildland Urban Interface Living. Building on slopes graded 12% or above is outlawed.

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SECTION 3: Regenerative Material Assemblies 3.1 MaterialDNA specifications for exterior walls to enable high-retardance to low-to-moderate intensity ground, surface and canopy fires, and intermediate-retardance to highintensity canopy fires.

3.2 MaterialDNA specifications for Subsurface Shelter-inPlace entrances to enable high-retardance to high-intensity fires of all variants.

3.3 MaterialDNA specifications for stairways, and other evacuation routes, and entrance fixtures thereto, including doors, to enable high- retardance to high-intensity fires of all variants.

3.4 MaterialDNA specifications to be selected for intermediate frequency self-repair to injuries incurred by wildfires and debris flows, but frequent repair to injuries sustained by droughts and pests.

3.5 MaterialDNA to be embedded into ArchiDNA via the residence’s Synthetic Pyriscence-Dispersed-Seeds. Residents are highly recommended to keep back-up copies of the latter off, as well as on, site.

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Pyroendurers Evolved to persist in WUI adjoining low and mixed-severity fire regimes, such as Californian chaparral and oak forests, pyro-enduring architectures comprise functional traits selected to endure frequent, but relatively low intensity fires.

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The Panarchic Codex

PYROENDURERS PART #2

Fire Regime: Low-severity / Mixed-severity Frequency: High / Intensity: Low

Effective January 1, 2030

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SECTION 1: Data Network Architecture 1.1 ArchiDNA to be embedded in Synthetic Subsurface BioRoot System.

1.2 Synthetic Subsurface Bio-Root System to be at a depth approximate to that of root-beds of neighbouring biological endurer species.

1.3 Specification of Synthetic Subsurface Bio-root System to include sensing of wildfire’s chemical and heat signatures.

1.4 Synthetic Subsurface Bio-Root System activation of ArchiDNA-cloning to be enabled by embedded actuating and analysis features.

1.5 ArchiDNA to be embedded in Synthetic PyriscenceDispersed-Seeds of which the materiality, form, and morphology is appropriate to the local fire-regime frequencies, intensities, and behaviours.

1.6. Pyri-CONE dispersal variant of Synthetic PyriscenceDispersed-Seeds [i.e. ballistic propulsion] to be informed by factors including hyper- local topography, hydrology, soil structure, and atmospheric conditions.

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1.7 Synthetic Serotinous Substance affixing Pyri-CONE parts to be chemically calibrated to intensity of local historical fire-regime.

1.8 Synthetic Pyriscence-Dispersed-Seeds to be fitted with biosensors that can detect the presence of wildfire smoke’s chemical signature, thereon initiate the process of architectural renewal via the distribution of ArchiDNA. 1.9 Abundance of Synthetic Pyriscence-Dispersed- Seeds to be relative to the frequency and severity of the local historical fire-regime.

1.10 Depth of post-fire submersion of Synthetic PyriscenceDispersed-Seeds to be approximate to that of seeds of neighbouring biological endurer species.

1.11 ArchiDNA and other systemic upgrades to Synthetic Pyriscence- Dispersed-Seeds to be synced to the frequency of the local fire regime.

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SECTION 2: Structural In-Situ Resistance 2.1 Structural-Abscission System to be fitted and incorporate all flammable exterior building parts and fixtures, which should shed cyclically in sync with local fire-return intervals.

2.2 Structural form, layout, and height must mitigate the risk of spread of fire by reducing vulnerabilities at the level wildfire typically spreads within the local fire- regime [i.e. raise or lower building features accordingly].

2.3 Structures to be located in open, and open-canopy terrains.

2.4 New-build residences located on slopes graded 10% or greater require additional planning approvals by the Office of Wildland Urban Interface Living. Building on slopes graded 15% or above is outlawed.

2.5 Pyro-Enduring and Pyro-Resisting architectures permitted within property boundaries whereupon their ArchiDNA and MaterialDNA are calibrated to the same fire frequencies, intensities, and behaviours more generally.

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SECTION 3: Regenerative Material Assemblies 3.1 MaterialDNA specifications for exterior walls to enable high-retardance to low-intensity surface fires [i.e. grass fires], and intermediate- retardance to moderate-intensity ground, surface and canopy fires [i.e. chaparral fires].

3.2 MaterialDNA specifications for Subsurface Shelter-inPlace entrances to enable high-retardance to both low and moderate-intensity ground, surface and canopy fires.

3.3 MaterialDNA specifications for stairways, and other evacuation routes, and entrance fixtures thereto, including doors, to enable high-retardance to both low and moderateintensity ground, surface, and canopy fires.

3.4 MaterialDNA specifications to be selected for frequent self-repair of injuries resulting from wildfires, droughts, pests, and debris flows.

3.5 MaterialDNA to be embedded into ArchiDNA via the residence’s Synthetic Subsurface Bio-Root System and Synthetic Pyriscence- Dispersed-Seeds. Residents are highly recommended to keep back-up copies of the latter off, as well as on, site.

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Pyroresistors Evolved to persist in WUI adjoining low and mixed-severity fire regimes, such as California’s Ponderosa pine forests, pyro-resisting architectures comprise functional traits selected to resist frequent, but relatively low intensity fires.

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The Panarchic Codex

PYRORESISTORS PART #3

Fire Regime: Low-severity / Mixed-severity Frequency: High / Intensity: Low

Effective January 1, 2030

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SECTION 1: Data Network Architecture 1.1 ArchiDNA to be embedded in Synthetic Subsurface BioRoot System.

1.2 Synthetic Subsurface Bio-Root System to be at a depth approximate to that of root-beds of neighbouring biological endurer species.

1.3 Specification of Synthetic Subsurface Bio-root System to include sensing of wildfire’s chemical and heat signatures.

1.4 Synthetic Subsurface Bio-Root System activation of ArchiDNA-cloning to be enabled by embedded actuating and analysis features.

1.5. ArchiDNA to be embedded in Synthetic PyriscenceDispersed-Seeds of which the materiality, form, and morphology is appropriate to the local fire- regime frequencies, intensities, and behaviours.

1.6. Pyri-CONE dispersal variant of Synthetic PyriscenceDispersed-Seeds [i.e. ballistic propulsion] to be informed by factors including hyper- local topography, hydrology, soil structure, and atmospheric conditions.

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1.7 Synthetic Serotinous Substance affixing Pyri-CONE parts to be chemically calibrated to intensity of local historical fire-regime.

1.8 Synthetic Pyriscence-Dispersed-Seeds to be fitted with biosensors that can detect the presence of wildfire smoke’s chemical signature, thereon initiate the process of architectural renewal via the distribution of ArchiDNA. 1.9 Abundance of Synthetic Pyriscence-Dispersed-Seeds to be relative to the frequency and severity of the local historical fire-regime.

1.10 Depth of post-fire submersion of Synthetic Pyriscence-Dispersed-Seeds to be approximate to that of seeds of neighbouring biological endurer species.

1.11 ArchiDNA and other systemic upgrades to Synthetic Pyriscence-Dispersed-Seeds to be synced to the frequency of the local fire regime.

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SECTION 2: Structural In-Situ Resistance 2.1 Retardant Bio-Bark plating-system to be affixed to exterior walls of all residencies and accompanying outbuildings, including garages, barns, and sheds.

2.2 Exterior windows, doors and other openings to have biosensor- activated Retardant Bio-Bark coverings, which close via actuator- enabled mechanical and/or material morphological process upon detection of wildfire’s chemical signature.

2.3 Retardant Bio-Bark plating-system to feature reenforcement at the level wildfire typically spreads within the local fire-regime [i.e. ground, surface, or canopy].

2.4 Structural form, layout, and height must mitigate the risk of spread of fire by reducing vulnerabilities at the level wildfire typically spreads within the local fire- regime [i.e. raise or lower building features accordingly].

2.5 Structural-Abscission System to be fitted and incorporate all flammable exterior building parts and fixtures, which should shed cyclically in sync with local fire-return intervals.

© Melissa Sterry 2020 All Rights Reserved

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SECTION 3: Regenerative Material Assemblies 3.1 MaterialDNA specifications for exterior walls to enable high-retardance to low-to-moderate intensity ground, surface and canopy fires [i.e. grass and chaparral fires].

3.2 MaterialDNA specifications for Subsurface Shelter-inPlace entrances to enable high-retardance to both low and moderate-intensity ground, surface and canopy fires.

3.3 MaterialDNA specifications for stairways, and other evacuation routes, and entrance fixtures thereto, including doors, to enable high-retardance to both low and moderateintensity ground, surface, and canopy fires.

3.4 MaterialDNA specifications to be selected for frequent self-repair of injuries resulting from wildfires, droughts, pests, and debris flows.

3.5 MaterialDNA to be embedded into ArchiDNA via the residence’s Synthetic Pyriscence-Dispersed-Seeds. Residents are highly recommended to keep back-up copies of the latter off, as well as on, site.

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Panarchic Oath I swear* that I will carry out, according to my ability and judgment, this oath and indenture, thus: 1. Seek understanding of the role of wildfire in ecological systems.

Sign here: Name: ………………………………………………………………

2. Periodically update my understanding through formal and other means.

3. Share that understanding with my peer-group and community.

Organisation: …………………………………………………….

Address: ……………………………………………………………

Zipcode: ……………………………………………………………

4. Endeavour to maintain the integrity of regional ecological processes.

State: ………………………………………………………………..

5. Contribute to local and/or regional wildfire monitoring programmes.

Signature: …………………………………………………………

6. Remain alert to fire-weather advisories and evacuation notices.

Date: ....... / ....... / .......

7. Build by means of placing no undue risk on emergency services.

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Disclaimer

A speculative work, the products, services, concepts, organisations, and programmes cited within and of this document are entirely fictitious, their purpose that of illustrating near-future potentialities within architecture and urban design at the wildland-urban-interface.

Anthracite [coal] dated to the Carboniferous and extracted from a mine in South Wales, UK, from the author’s specimen collection.

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Cover image: Fossilised cone (Picea. sp) dated to the Miocene, from the author’s personal specimen collection.

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Panarchistic Architecture

panarchiccodex.com