How Air Conditioning Change the World
From AC (air conditioning) to AI (artificial intelligence), what kind of pattern can we perceive that might offer insights into the future
We were researching the search trends for air conditioning in Singapore. While this might initially seem like a mundane topic, we came across a TikTok video that offers a interesting perspective on how air conditioning has revolutionised architecture and global politics.
Here are a few key insights that caught our attention and would definitely explore further in the near future :
Revolutionising ‘Where’ and ‘How Big’ We Can Build
“Air conditioning has changed the landscape of cities, enabling places like Dubai to exist. Our ability to conquer local climates has shifted global power centers, leading to colossal political and economic consequences.”
Rapid Increase in Air Conditioning in China
“Between 1995 and 2005, the percentage of residential buildings in China with air conditioning rose from 8% to 70%. The impact of air conditioning extends far beyond architecture and represents a significant revolution in global politics and economics.”
Future Growth of Air Conditioning
“The number of air conditioning units worldwide is expected to double in the near future, and this proportion will only increase. Unless we invent more efficient air conditioning units or adopt other forms of climate control, the situation will worsen.”
Designing Beautiful Air Conditioning Units
“Beautifully designed air conditioning units could improve the appearance of our homes and cities, thus enhancing the well-being of humanity.”
The first air conditioning system was invented in 1902. However, it wasn’t until 1925 that the first public building with modern air cooling opened. By 1953, one million American homes had air conditioning. With mass production, the technology quickly became more affordable.
This invention changed society in various ways, such as by extending business hours, altering cultural habits (e.g., indoor cinema), advancing technology (e.g., data rooms), influencing urban development, and impacting the economy.
It echoes the notion of Marshall McLuhan: ‘We shape our tools, and thereafter, our tools shape us.’
The trend is your friend, but …
AI, in the form of ChatGPT, was introduced on November 30, 2022. By reflecting on how air conditioning created ripple effects in cultural, political, and economic spheres, we can better understand and learn how AI might similarly impact areas beyond employment. As business owners or individuals, we can consider the potential opportunities AI presents, while also addressing any negative consequences it might bring.
Using the trend can provide an insight into future projections and give you some idea of where it is heading. However, if the trend is your friend, then you would need a guide with foresight to navigating the VUCA (volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity) world, and that is where future thinking and systems thinking would come in.
References and Notes
- The Future of Cooling
- Air-conditioning adoption and electricity demand highlight climate change mitigation–adaptation tradeoffs
- Introduction of Air Conditioning into Singapore
“Singapore may be a beauty spot and its strategic position superb, but its climatic conditions have always been a moot point with residents and medical men alike. Its humidity or dampness is the sore point, but the marvels of modern science and invention can transform the air condition of the interior of Singapore’s buildings to the most delightful and healthiest obtaining anywhere…”
