what is in pursuit of perpetuity?
In Pursuit of Perpetuity is a digital institute exploring the interplay between past, present, and future human settlement. It examines the principles, patterns, and possibilities that shape how people create, organize, and inhabit places.
The project is rooted in ekistics, the science of human settlements, which considers the relationship between people, nature, buildings, networks, and cities across all scales and across all of history.
The purpose is not to prescribe a single way of living. It is to create a platform where people can explore how humans have created meaningful places throughout history and consider what that might mean for the future.
core principles
- Exploration over instruction. The project presents possibilities and historical examples rather than prescribing one correct way of living.
- Historical context as foundation. Historical examples are studied not as nostalgia, but because they contain accumulated knowledge, adaptation, and tested solutions.
- Connections matter. Every concept should lead somewhere. Every settlement should connect to related techniques, systems, and ideas.
- Complexity layered, not hidden. The platform should be approachable on first visit while allowing deep exploration for those who want it.
relationship to abzu.design
In Pursuit of Perpetuity originates from abzu.design, a one-person design studio. It is maintained by the same practice but operates as an independent research initiative. The perspective of its creator shapes the selection and framing of ideas, but the platform is intended to feel like a body of work rather than a personal diary.
Phase 1 is a foundation. The archive, the Settlement Profile experience, and the Resources layer will each expand over time as the project develops.