Resonance of Control by Boonyarit Saengmuang

A detail of 'Resonance Node', where tradition subtly intertwines with technological infrastructure.

What if resilience meant relinquishing control?

Resonance of Control: Explore a speculative future where AI, inspired by nature and tradition, dictates urban resilience, challenging the balance between control and cultural preservation.

Saengmuang_8847, Thailand

Description

Speculative design imagines the interplay of technology and tradition in urban environments. This work portrays AI-driven infrastructure management blending Futurism, Indigenous Thai wisdom, and Biomimicry. It prompts critical reflection on how such a system, while offering resilience, might impact personal freedoms and cultural identity. The design acts as a point of discussion for viewers by exploring themes of technological advancement and preservation. This narrative challenges viewers to consider the balance between control and freedom, set against a backdrop of potential environmental and systemic collapse.

Context

In this imagined world, mega-cities have sprawling, interconnected architectures. Society operates under an AI-influenced, centralized governance that values efficiency, control and resilience facilitated by the CIMP. The inhabitants, a diverse group blending heritage with technological adaptation, experience a nuanced existence. Sanuk is encouraged, but the government subtly suppress individual expression to maintain unity. The echoes of past upheavals—environmental, resources shortages and societal—linger, shaping a culture that simultaneously embraces technological solutions while grappling with the loss of autonomy, prompting a search for balance amidst an ever-present sense of oversight.

Provocation

This project invites reflection on the future of our cities. It highlights our growing reliance on technology, specifically AI. Consider current trajectories in urban planning and centralized control. Should convenience and efficiency come at the cost of personal freedom? What are the trade-offs between security and autonomy?

Saengmuang_8847's process

Saengmuang draws from Futurism, Indigenous Thai practices, and Biomimicry. Traditional Thai architecture and *'Sanuk'*—enjoyment and playfulness—infuse his designs. He begins by studying academic and historical sources, mapping connections between Futurism, Indigenous wisdom, and Biomimicry. Scriptwriting future scenarios, he visualizes artifacts blending these elements. This particular project began with an examination of resilience – diving deep into how centralised infrastructure might allow communities to survive. This is achieved through harmonizing technologies and natural patterns, posing questions on how a system of AI governance can promote resilience, and at what cost.

More about Saengmuang_8847

Events leading to ‘Resonance of Control’

2024: Global rise in seismic activity prompts increased research into earthquake-resistant infrastructure.

2025: Advancements in AI and sensor technology lead to early prototypes of predictive infrastructure systems.

2027: Thailand experiences a major earthquake, highlighting the limitations of existing infrastructure.

2028: Thai government initiates a program to develop a centralized, AI-driven infrastructure management system.

2029: Pilot projects for 'Resilience Nodes' begin in select urban areas, testing their integration into existing structures.

2030: Wide - scale roll out of the Centralized Infrastrucutre Management Platform.

Imagined Future Scenarios Considered

Saengmuang_8847 considered the following imagined future scenarios while working on this project

AI-driven systems autonomously manage traffic flow and essential services to prevent gridlocks and support emergency response.

Extrapolated from Gaza ceasefire begins after delay as Hamas names hostages to be released Sunday - NPR

AI-driven simulations combined with seismic sensors optimize infrastructure designs that are resilient to earthquakes and other natural disasters.

Extrapolated from Trump says DeepSeek should be a 'wake-up call' for tech giants - Business Insider

Artists and AI collaborate seamlessly, creating hybrid artworks that combine human creativity with computational power, challenging traditional notions of authorship.

Extrapolated from How Do We Determine Bad Art From Good? - Skidmore.edu

Smart motorways dynamically adjust speed limits and lane configurations based on real-time weather conditions and traffic patterns, enhancing safety and efficiency.

Extrapolated from PM plans to 'unleash AI' across UK to boost growth - BBC News

Using insights from 'Ecosystem Collapse', infrastructure projects are halted or redesigned when AI indicates irreparable damage to the environment, prioritizing ecosystem health over immediate human needs.

Extrapolated from 7 global buzzwords for 2025: From 'techquity' to 'climate displacement' to 'belonging' - NPR

Hypothetical Product Ideas Considered

Saengmuang_8847 considered the following hypothetical product ideas while working on this project

Smart Motorway Enforcement Drones (SMED)

A network of autonomous drones equipped with AI and sensors to enforce traffic regulations, track vehicle movements, and identify potential security threats along smart motorway networks. They act as eyes and ears, alerting authorities to any divergence from protocol without infringing on the network.

Mobility Credit System

A government-controlled system where citizens are allocated mobility credits based on factors like job necessity, carbon footprint, and social contributions determining access to motorway networks. This promotes approved routes and times preventing congestion and CO2 emissions.

AI Compliance Training for Citizens

Mandatory training programs that educate citizens about the AI-driven rules and regulations governing their lives and how to comply with them. Includes monitoring and reporting mechanisms to ensure compliance. This can easily slide into dystopia.

Anonymous Art Havens

Underground communities and digital platforms providing safe spaces for artists to create and share uncensored artwork, protected by encryption and decentralized technologies. These communities actively circumvent the established and sanctioned art world to foster a diverse and authentic experience.

Centralized Infrastructure Management Platform (CIMP)

A government-controlled AI platform that monitors, manages, and optimizes all critical infrastructure in real-time. It dictates resource allocation, schedules maintenance, and enforces strict building codes. Individual adjustments outside of this platform are prohibited to guarantee uniform resilience.

Personalized Carbon Rationing Implants

Microchip implants that track individual carbon footprint (energy consumption, transportation, food choices) and automatically deduct carbon credits from a centralized account. AI analyses and adjusts rations based on planetary needs and provides personalized restrictions.

Subversive AI Art Generators

Open-source, decentralized AI tools designed to bypass censorship algorithms and generate art that challenges dominant narratives, employing tactics like image cloaking and semantic obfuscation. User supported and maintained outside of government constraints.

Resilient Home Certification (RHC)

A mandatory certification program where all new and existing homes must adhere to strict, government-defined resilience standards as determined by the CIMP. Failure to comply results in fines, restrictions on property use, or even forced relocation. The certification process involves rigorous inspections and AI-driven simulations.

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