What if Extreme Heat and Droughts Become the Norm?
This map of an iconic market in Buenos Aires shows a world many of us might experience soon
This map is based on a research about the future of food in a 15-minute city led by Nicolás Bronzina. It speculates on the different stalls, shops and services that might emerge at San Telmo market in Buenos Aires after an era of long periods of extreme heat and droughts.
We have recently added this work to Futures in Maps, an online atlas that offers a travel around the near future with everyday maps. This atlas uses maps to showcase the potential quotidian consequences of global scale challenges such as climate change, labor automation, access to clean water and the energy transition. You can contribute to the atlas with your own map from the future.
In a future where average global temperatures have risen by 2°C, cities like Buenos Aires have transformed to adapt to ecological challenges and their social and economic consequences. Buenos Aires has become a model for the “15-minute city” concept, focusing on walkability and accessibility.
One of the city’s iconic landmarks, San Telmo market, built in 1897, underwent a complete restoration in 2028. Today, it thrives as a vibrant shopping destination offering sustainable products and a fresh atmosphere in summer. The building is self-sufficient in energy and water, utilizing solar panels and rainwater harvesting. A Food Quality Control Station ensures the safety of food products in light of recent scandals in the consumption of cultivated meat.
“San Telmo Market proactively addressed the challenges of extreme heat and drought several years ago. With sustainable practices and new economic and social relationships inside their community, the market exemplifies how a 15-minute city can lead the way in fostering a climate-resilient environment”
— María Fernanda Domínguez, Chief Heat and Drought Officer, San Telmo Neighborhood
San Telmo market serves as a hub for culinary innovation, where chefs and local producers collaborate in shared kitchens, promoting talents and shops in the neighborhood. A diverse gastronomic offerings flourished influenced by environmental, technological, and cultural factors. From indulgent cuisine to fusion creations and molecular gastronomy, the market caters to a wide range of tastes. Seasonal fruits and vegetables are celebrated, promoting freshness and supporting local farmers.
Sustainability is a priority for locals, with the butcher shops and restaurants exploring alternative protein sources like lab-grown meat, insect proteins, algae proteins, and fungal proteins. The use of drought-tolerant plants became the norm combating heat waves and high temperatures in the streets, offices and apartments.
Visitors flock to sections dedicated to antiques and vintage electronics, showcasing Buenos Aires’ rich cultural heritage. In this future Buenos Aires, San Telmo market is a symbol of resilience, sustainability, and a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation. It represents a city’s adaptation to a changing climate while preserving its rich heritage and embracing a diverse, sustainable future.
Get into the details exploring the website of San Telmo market that speculates on the future of gastronomy in Buenos Aires:
The behind the curtain description of the research that led to this speculative map
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