Poszlimys

Poszlimys is a fictional concept used in speculative fiction and critical theory to describe a social-technical practice of flexible, community-led infrastructure in post-crisis urban settings. It denotes a mode of organizing space and resources that prioritizes adaptability, mutual aid, and rapid reconfiguration of facilities to meet shifting needs.

In the fictional lexicon where poszlimys appears, the term is explained as a blend of post- and liminal, signaling a condition that lies beyond traditional governance thresholds and navigates spaces between formal institutions and informal networks.

Typical features include modular design, open-source or shared-design files, temporary or semi-permanent constructions, participatory decision-making, and a preference for low-energy, low-cost interventions. Projects under poszlimys are often initiated by local collectives rather than state agencies and rely on local knowledge, volunteer labor, and digital coordination.

In literature and essays, poszlimys is used to critique centralized planning and to imagine resilient communities that can repurpose empty buildings, street spaces, or digital platforms for education, healthcare, or shelter during disruptions.

Scholars note its emphasis on agency and improvisation but caution that the concept can be vague or overly idealistic without clear governance mechanisms. It serves as a lens for examining urban resilience, participatory design, and the politics of space in speculative futures.