Illich's Philosophy in Urban Form?: Salzburg in the Future

This project details the futures of thousands of cities across the globe as though they've somehow overcome all environmental challenges and become super-ecofriendly "Green Utopias". This month, we highlight Salzburg's future -- as processed through the scholarly reflections of the Austrian philosopher, Ivan Illich.

Ivan Illich was a radical philosopher and social critic, living and working in the mid to late 20th century, and known for his deep skepticism of modern institutions and technologies. His work focused on how these systems often undermine human freedom, autonomy, and conviviality—qualities he believed were essential for a fulfilling life. Illich argued that modern institutions, such as schools, hospitals, and transportation networks, often alienate individuals from their communities and natural environments by creating dependencies on experts and centralized systems. He advocated for a return to more simple, human-centered ways of living, where people could engage directly with the world around them, fostering self-sufficiency and mutual support.

In post-War Austria, Illich studied for a doctorate at the university in Salzburg, specializing in medieval history. These studied offered Illich a great historical knowledge from which to leap into a critique of modernity and 20th century technology.

A city planned according to the philosophical principles of Ivan Illich would prioritize human-scale living, fostering community interactions and self-sufficiency over large-scale industrialization and centralization. Illich's ideas on conviviality and his critique of modern institutions would shape a city where local communities have control over their own resources and the means to sustain themselves. The built environment would likely emphasize accessibility, with neighborhoods designed to encourage walking, biking, and other forms of non-mechanized transport. This would create a more intimate, interconnected urban fabric, reducing the need for large infrastructure projects and fostering a strong sense of place and belonging among residents.

In such a city, technology and tools would be designed and used in a way that enhances individual freedom and communal relationships rather than creating dependence on complex systems or distant experts. Illich's vision would discourage the proliferation of technologies that centralize power or create rigid hierarchies. Instead, the emphasis would be on simple, sustainable technologies that people can easily understand, repair, and adapt to their needs. The urban economy would likely be rooted in local, cooperative enterprises that prioritize shared well-being over profit, reflecting Illich's critique of the market's encroachment on all aspects of life.

Education, health care, and other social services in this city would be decentralized and community-driven, aligning with Illich's belief in the power of informal, mutual learning and care. Schools would be less about standardized curricula and more about fostering individual curiosity and collective knowledge-sharing. Health care would focus on preventive measures and holistic well-being, with a strong emphasis on community-based support networks. Overall, the city would embody a rejection of the alienating, institutional structures that Illich critiqued, offering instead a model of urban life that is resilient, adaptable, and deeply rooted in human connections.