The Planetary Bureau

A key factor of the success of forests and other biomes on the planet is diversity. The higher the diversity, the more successful the entire biome is at surviving. Homogeneity is a slow killer. The different members in a biome are often complementary to each other, providing support in the form of resources or through symbiotic relationships.

Urban centers in human settlements are yet another example of diversity being a key factor in creating an exciting and progressive social dynamic. However, cities are still very homogeneous in their architectural makeup. The landscape of a city is sparse as compared to rural human settlements. A city is conducive for humans and other species which thrive off urban exhaust. Rats, pigeons, cockroaches, and others are just as welcome in a city.

This is an anamoly in the planetary pattern. Landscapes are usually fairly diverse, with a wide array of biotic and abiotic agents required to keep local systems functional.

Would planetary intelligences mandate diverse landscapes? What would human architecture look like if forced to adapt to heterogeneous settlements? Would machines enforce these boundaries and borders?