April 7, 2009
Tucson , AZ 85705
Dear Congresswoman Gabriel Giffords,
I enjoyed talking with you at the Himmel Park Solar Rock energy festival on Saturday, March 28. As I mentioned to you, I have been advancing the idea of building an arcology, or ecocity on Arizona State Trust land. The ecocity would be not only a prototype in urban planning that conserves all our vital resources, but one that experiments as a living laboratory with solar energy and other renewable energy technologies. The combination of the arcology design with government involvement and trust land could be a way for Arizona to become a world center for innovation, research and development of cutting-edge sustainable living.
Since the arcology design incorporates not only highly resourceful architecture for living, but a visionary transportation system as well, it would greatly cut down the burning of C02, and it might be the first to reach the goal of a carbon-neutral city. There are many plans on the table to curb green house gases, but arcology is not one that is given enough serious consideration. This is a grave mistake because ultimately, building a network of arcologies could be a way to restore our planetary ecosystem.
The urban experiment in arcology would also retool dying US industries such as the auto and the housing industry. World renowned architect, William McDonough's proven designs of “cradle-to-cradle” industries that recycle and reuse materials in non-toxic and environmentally safe ways are a perfect mesh for an arcology movement.
Congresswoman Giffords, this project requires embracing a paradigm shift. With the world economy and environment in crisis, arcology could be the nexus for restructuring the labor force, using green technologies within the context of building ecological city designs. Putting the building of an arcology as a state and national goal would also give new purpose to our university system by inspiring a whole new generation of artists, scientists and entrepreneurs with the great possibility of manifesting a vibrant, livable city free from air, noise and water pollution.
The Mission of the Arizona State Land Department as stated is "To manage State Trust lands and resources to enhance value and optimize economic return for the Trust beneficiaries, consistent with sound stewardship, conservation, and business management principles supporting socioeconomic goals for citizens here today and generations to come." I find it hard to imagine that developing a fully functioning ecocity as a model for the world on Arizona State Trust Land would manifest anything less than the perfection of their stated mission.
I'm asking your advice on how the arcology idea can be moved from the visionary phase into the actualization phase. Is there something I can do to help you move it forward? Can you set up a congressional committee to explore the merits of taking on such a magnanimous project? Can we find a way to push this concept into the world together?
Victor Hugo wrote, “An invasion of armies can be resisted, but not an idea whose time has come.” I believe arcology is an idea whose time has come. What it needs now is women to midwife it into existence.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Libby Hubbard