Some readers might assume that my advocation of pyramids as the ideal form for human habitats is based on the esoteric theory that the very shape endows them with magical rejuvenating powers, and that this mysterious power will enhance the physical and mental health of their occupants, preserve fruit, sharpen blunt razor blades, turn cheap plonk into fine wine, and other new-age hocus pocus. Belief in “Pyramid Power” was very much in vogue at “the dawning of the Age of Aquarius” (as per the 1969 hit song). Although Oasis Cities will certainly improve health and well-being, the pyramidal shape per se will probably not be the magical cause, but hey we can always hope..! Because, as improbable as the PP theory is, it has never been scientifically tested since no statistically significant groups of people have ever lived in a pyramid for any length of time, so there is no “well-being” data for comparison with the general population. So, until we have had a significant sample of people who have lived in pyramids for a number of years, the theory cannot be totally refuted.
The long answer said, the short answer is far more mundane…
Pyramids ARE simply the BEST..! They are the optimum shape for very large human habitats
<strong>PYRAMIDS ARE STRUCTURALLY SUPERIOR</strong>
Vertical-walled buildings are a constant challenge to gravity and other natural forces like wind, rain and even earthquakes..! Sloping triangular walls leaning against and supporting each other greatly reduces gravitational forces. A pyramid’s base area is large in proportion to its height and volume, thus permitting shallower foundations and a lighter structural frame than a vertical-walled building. This should result in lower construction costs.
So why is the Luxor Casino Hotel in Las Vegas (1993) still almost the ONLY one of its kind?
Oasis-Cities will bestow benefits which could be considered a form of “Pyramid Power”
Pyramids are aesthetically attractive, as they resemble mountains
OAeCities will visually enhance the landscape and environment
Structurally safe – resistant to earthquakes, storms, floods, and FIRE (see below)
Enormous tropical-look atriums within the spacious interior
LONGEVITY – built to last centuries rather than the decades of most buildings
this is just a small sample, many more advantages are listed HERE
Oasis-City Atrium possibilities are endless
FIRE RISK REDUCED
In a pyramidal building each floor is set-back from the one below it, so that if a fire were to start on a lower floor, the flames and most of the heat will tend to escape into the atmosphere rather than consuming the floor(s) above. This is the exact opposite of the “jettying” style of medieval buildings which resulted in many enormously destructive city fires, notably the 1666 “Great Fire of London”.
Vertical-walled buildings are obviously safer in a fire than “jettied” buildings, but when they do catch fire it can be very difficult to escape
If this were a pyramid the firefighters would be able to get close to the fire and not uselessly spray water from far below, as here
Pyramidal buildings would be far safer in a big fire
The stepped design of a pyramid reduces the risk of fire spreading to higher floors. And, if the fire does spread, residents would be able to escape laterally – or even down the walls – and would not be trapped by a smoke-filled stairwell. For the same reason, firefighters would be able to get close to the fire
But if pyramids are such a wonderful idea WHY are they so rare..?
