Land Art Generator Initiative and Burning Man Project have partnered to launch a multi-disciplinary design challenge—LAGI 2020 Fly Ranch—that will create the foundational infrastructure of Fly Ranch. The project is open to everyone everywhere, and seeks creative solutions to systems of energy, water, food, shelter, and regeneration. You are invited to propose your regenerative artwork in this unique and stunning landscape.
Scientists have defined our global “carbon budget” as the total amount of CO2 (and CO2 equivalent greenhouse gases) that can be emitted into the atmosphere while avoiding the most catastrophic impacts of climate change. The prognosis given by climate scientists is that if we continue to pollute the atmosphere at current rates, we have only eight years remaining until we have exhausted our carbon budget. If we are to stand any chance to avert the worst effects of climate change, we must see emissions peak in the next few years and we must reach net-zero emissions annually by the year 2050.
We know the stakes are high. The good news is that there are many workable solutions out there just waiting to be implemented. What the world needs now more than ever is a demonstration project, a proof of concept for how to live right with nature in a 21st-century world. As we implement solutions, we should recognize that technology does not live in a vacuum. It is born from human culture and it thrives when we care for it.
If we are going to meet the ambitious goals required to address the climate crisis, the solutions for carbon-neutral energy generation, water conservation, regenerative agriculture, sustainable buildings, and zero-waste cannot be shrouded in mystery, unpleasant to be around, alien, or unfamiliar to people. We propose that they be conceived of as cultural landmarks—as works of art in the landscape. Let’s inspire the world to swift climate action by designing the beautiful post-carbon world within which we will all desire to live.
Photo Courtesy of Land Art Generator
Fly Ranch provides the perfect context in which to experiment with new systems for human thriving, and to tackle the hard problem of net-zero sustainable infrastructure with circular design thinking. The goal is to conceive of a place that can serve as a fertile ground for exchanging ideas, innovating, experimenting, art making, and healing—a place that sets the highest standards of excellence, providing for its own sustainable operations, and also giving back generously to help other places reduce carbon.
Fly Ranch is less than five miles from Black Rock City, but in that short distance there is much that changes in the landscape. The 3,800 acres of Fly Ranch are home to at least 126 plant varieties (100 of which are native), 90 varieties of birds, 15 mammals, 11 reptiles and fish, and at least 24 varieties of insects. Successful proposals to LAGI 2020 Fly Ranch will respect and support this biodiversity. Fly Ranch is set within a regional ecosystem of extremes, with hot dry summers and cold wet winters. The temperature ranges from below 0 °F (-18 °C) in the winter to over 105 °F (40 °C) in the summer. These extremes offer challenges and opportunities for creativity. Source and photos Courtesy of Land Art Generator.
Photo Courtesy of Land Art Generator 
Photo Courtesy of Land Art Generator 
Photo Courtesy of Land Art Generator 
Photo Courtesy of Land Art Generator 
Photo Courtesy of Land Art Generator 
Photo Courtesy of Land Art Generator