Compare the worlds
How could a city provide water, places to gather, safe travel, goods and room for nature?
Look at the same need in all six worlds. Egypt and Rome are historical; the others are imagined, so treat them as ideas to test, not facts.
Water
Where does clean water come from, and how does it reach people?
Ancient Egypt
Lotus pool
Almost all water came from the Nile, carried by hand or lifted with a shaduf. What happens to a land that depends on one river?
Ancient Rome
Aqueduct
Water travels downhill along a channel. What happens if the slope is wrong?
Modern Town
Plaza fountain
Most of a modern water system is hidden. What pipes, pumps or treatment might be out of sight?
Elven Green World
Spring circle
The spring is protected by stones. What could harm a water source?
Robotic Future
Indoor farm
Indoor farms could reuse water. Is that worth the energy they need?
Heavenly City
Fountain of life
Here the water never runs out and never makes anyone sick. What would it take to make that true everywhere?
Places to gather
Where do people meet, celebrate and make decisions together?
Ancient Egypt
Feast hall
Banquets had music, dancing and plenty of food. Who was invited, and who did the work?
Ancient Rome
Amphitheater
Thousands watched together, seated by rank. Who was welcome, and where?
Modern Town
Community center
What would make everyone in the neighborhood feel welcome here?
Elven Green World
Warm gathering circle
Imagined as warmed by heat from deep in the ground. Where could your town find clean warmth?
Robotic Future
Public plaza
If more life happens online, does a city still need squares like this?
Heavenly City
Banquet hall
A table with a seat for everyone. Who might be missing from the table in your town?
Safe travel
How do people cross the city safely, on foot and on wheels?
Ancient Egypt
Sandstone crossroads
Most Egyptians traveled by boat on the Nile. Why might a river be easier than a road?
Ancient Rome
Stone crossroads
Look at the stone stripes crossing the road. What might they be for?
Modern Town
Crosswalks
Painted crosswalks mark where to cross. What else helps people cross safely?
Elven Green World
Garden paths
There are no cars here. How would people carry heavy things?
Robotic Future
Lit roadway
Glowing crossings light the way. Who might these lights help, and who might they not?
Heavenly City
Golden crossroads
Streets of gold with crossings of pearl. What makes a street feel safe and welcoming?
Moving goods
How do food, parcels and supplies reach the people who need them?
Ancient Egypt
Stone sledge
Giant stones moved on sledges, boats and ramps. How would you move a load as heavy as a truck without engines?
Ancient Rome
Donkey cart
Carts were banned from Rome's streets by day. When would you allow deliveries?
Modern Town
Delivery van
Online shopping brings vans to every street. How could deliveries cause less traffic?
Elven Green World
Flower cart
A pony pulls the cart to market. When is slow transport the better choice?
Robotic Future
Cargo pod
No driver at all. Which jobs should robots do, and which should people keep?
Heavenly City
Donkey with fruit
Everything here is free to share. How could your town share more of what it has?
Room for nature
Where do plants, animals and open land fit in the city?
Ancient Egypt
Date palm
Palms gave food, shade, rope and roof beams. Which plant gives your town the most?
Ancient Rome
Olive tree
Olive trees give shade and food. What else could a city tree provide?
Modern Town
Community garden
Gardens take up space that could hold housing. How would you balance the two?
Elven Green World
Flower meadow
Flowers feed pollinators. Could your street have a meadow?
Robotic Future
Tree pod habitat
Homes are built around the tree. Is that sharing space, or taking it over?
Heavenly City
Golden tree
The Bible begins in a garden and ends in a city with a river and the tree of life. Why do trees and water make a place feel good?
Talk it over
- Which world's idea would work best where you live? Why?
- What does every world need, no matter the time or technology?
- Which ideas sound good but might leave some people out?