Millennial Precedent | Alexander Rose

TL;DR

Long Now Foundation discusses strategies for building a 10,000-Year Clock, including underground spaces and materials that can withstand corrosion and deterioration.

Transcript

good evening I'm Stuart brand from the long now board and I'll take you back 15 years to 1996 when the law now boards such as it was then met in Colorado to think about building a 10,000 year clock and a guest there was a young man who came up with the idea for a building for this 10,000 year clock was it quite an elegant spiral you could go up and... Read More

Key Insights

• 👾 Underground spaces, particularly in mountains, provide better preservation for long-lasting structures.
• 💦 Water and air are major factors in the deterioration of buildings and objects, requiring careful consideration of materials and preservation techniques.
• 🍉 Corrosion-resistant materials like stainless steel and ceramics are crucial for long-term preservation.
• 🍉 Maintaining the Clock and establishing a long-term institution are essential for its longevity.
• 🛟 Innovative strategies, such as creating an ablative layer or encasing the Clock in valuable materials, can deter theft and preserve its cultural significance.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why was an underground space chosen for the Clock?

Research showed that underground spaces, specifically in mountains, have a higher likelihood of lasting for a long time. The Clock would be placed in a mountain to satisfy the need for longevity while also providing a unique experience.

Q: What are some of the materials being used to ensure the Clock's preservation?

The Clock is being constructed using materials that are resistant to corrosion, such as stainless steel and ceramics. Special techniques like passivating welds and isolating dissimilar metals are employed to mitigate galvanic corrosion.

Q: How does the Long Now Foundation plan to maintain the Clock for thousands of years?

Establishing a long-term institution is crucial for the Clock's preservation. The Foundation aims to create a durable organization that will oversee the Clock's maintenance and ensure that it continues to function and be valued by future generations.

Q: Is there a risk of theft or destruction of the Clock?

The Long Now Foundation is considering various strategies to protect the Clock. One idea is to create an ablative layer or encase the Clock in valuable materials, which would deter potential thieves. Additionally, designing the Clock to be difficult to disassemble and steal is being explored.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The Long Now Foundation aims to foster long-term thinking and responsibility, and one of their projects is building a 10,000-Year Clock.

• The Clock would be housed in an underground space to ensure longevity, and the Foundation has explored various materials and preservation techniques to make it last.

• Research has shown that water and air are major factors that contribute to deterioration, so materials with high resistance to corrosion, such as stainless steel and ceramics, are used.

• Maintaining the Clock and creating a long-term institution are crucial for its preservation, along with potential strategies like creating an ablative layer or encasing it in valuable materials.