Bunker Cities
Bunker cities are fictional cities (or towns if they are of a smaller scale) built to ensure the survival of a population from an outside threat. These settlements may have been established to protect the inhabitants from nuclear fallout, the inhospitable environment of an alien planet, or some other danger present within a fictional world. Bunker cities are common places found in post-apocalyptic settings where they can be found scattered across the wastes. These sites may be ruins to explore, or may be home to self-sufficient survivors, mutants, and dreams of a better future.
| Synonyms: vault towns |
| Example Mythonyms: Bunker One, the Undertown |
| Places |
Designing Fictional Bunker Cities
Archetypes
Foundations
Overview
Fictional bunkers are a cornerstone of many genres, from post-apocalyptic wastelands to disaster-stricken worlds. Their designs paint a picture of humanity’s resilience, ranging from the utilitarian and gritty to the luxurious and high-tech. The specific elements that define a bunker depend on the purpose it serves and the creator’s vision of the threat it protects against.
Bunker cities are most often depicted as being located under the ground, beneath mountains, or within craters – places where the natural terrain can be put to use in the protection of the site.
Entrances are often airlocks, creating sealed transitions to prevent contaminants from entering the main living area. Blast doors or other heavy-duty doors stand guard, ready to repel unwanted visitors.
Life support systems are the lifeblood of any bunker. Air filtration, water purification, and climate control are essential for long-term habitation. Some bunkers boast renewable energy sources like solar or geothermal power, ensuring a sustainable existence even when the surface world falters. Stockpiles of food, water, medicine, and other necessities are a must for survival, a testament to the occupants’ foresight.
Luxury shelters offer a different perspective. These high-end bunkers cater to those seeking a comfortable refuge from any disaster. Opulent living spaces, entertainment facilities, and advanced amenities paint a picture of a shielded existence, a luxurious wait for the world to heal.
The design adapts to the specific threat. Nuclear fallout shelters prioritize shielding from radiation and the destructive power of blasts. These bunkers may be small and spartan, prioritizing functionality over comfort. Post-apocalyptic havens, on the other hand, are built for long-term survival in a devastated world. Features like hydroponics bays, workshops, and even livestock areas allow for self-sufficiency, a way to carve out a new existence from the ashes.
Science fiction takes bunkers a step further, transforming them into scientific outposts. These strongholds serve as research stations or laboratories, designed for scientific study or experimentation in a protected environment. Here, the bunker becomes a launchpad for discovery, a shielded haven for pushing the boundaries of knowledge.
Fictional bunkers are not just about physical protection. They also explore the psychological and social aspects of confined living. Designs may incorporate features to promote mental well-being and social interaction, such as recreational areas, virtual reality experiences, or even simulated natural environments. These elements acknowledge the human need for connection and a semblance of normalcy even in the face of extraordinary circumstances.
Bunker City Places
Reference Image Gallery
