Building Beyond Time: MIT's Vision
March 2023
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Introduction
Dive into the depths of time with MIT's Deep Time Project! Ever wondered how buildings tell stories of the past and future? Cristina Parreño Alonso, a visionary at MIT, explores how architecture can embrace geological history to tackle today's global challenges. Through the lens of Transtectonics, she's stirring the pot, prompting us to think beyond our lifespans. With projects that blend art, architecture, and the essence of time itself, this initiative is reshaping how we view our impact on the planet. Ready to think big? Check out how MIT is building for millennia, not just tomorrow!
READ FULL ARTICLEWhy It Matters
Discover how this topic shapes your world and future
Time Travelers in Training
Imagine being able to see not just years into the future but centuries, or even millennia. How would our decisions change if we could anticipate their impacts far beyond our own lifetimes? This is the essence of the Deep Time Project, a fascinating exploration into how understanding vast timescales can transform our approach to architecture, culture, and environmental stewardship. By learning to think in deep time, we become more than just inhabitants of the present; we become guardians of the future, tasked with making choices that will resonate positively for generations to come. This matters because it challenges us to expand our minds beyond the immediate, to consider our role in a story much larger than ourselves. For you, as a student standing at the threshold of your future, embracing this perspective could revolutionize not only how you see the world but also how you choose to impact it.
Speak like a Scholar

Deep time
The concept of an Earth history that spans billions of years, helping us understand our place in a timeline that stretches far beyond human existence.

Transtectonics
A field of study combining architectural practices with geological processes to explore how buildings and structures interact with the Earth over time.

Anthropocene
The current geological epoch, characterized by humans' significant impact on the planet's climate and ecosystems.

Material event
Any significant occurrence that involves the use or transformation of materials, which in architecture, could refer to the construction or deterioration of a building.

Temporal sensibilities
The awareness and understanding of how time affects and is reflected in our environment, culture, and decisions.

Planetary stewards
Individuals or groups committed to caring for and maintaining the health of our planet for future generations.
Independent Research Ideas

The role of architecture in the Anthropocene
Investigate how modern building practices contribute to or mitigate against human impact on the planet. What innovative materials or designs promise a more sustainable future?

Transtectonics and cultural heritage
Explore the relationship between ancient building methods and their sustainability over centuries. How can these time-tested practices inform contemporary architecture?

Plastics in the geological record
Examine the long-term implications of plastic waste on Earth's geological layers. Could future civilizations unearth our era's plastic as a distinct geological stratum?

Language and architecture as timekeepers
Investigate how the evolution of language and architectural styles serve as markers of historical periods. How might future linguists or architects interpret our current era?

Artistic expressions of deep time
Create a multimedia project that communicates the concept of deep time to a general audience. How can art and design make abstract concepts like geological epochs understandable and relevant?
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