blokom

Blokom is a term used primarily in speculative design and science fiction to denote a modular construction unit that functions as a compact building block for autonomous, scalable urban systems. In this usage, a blokom is a self-contained module that integrates structural support, energy storage, sensing capability, and data communication, enabling rapid assembly of larger facilities or neighborhoods by snapping multiple units together. The concept emphasizes adaptability, resilience, and on-site reconfigurability.

Design and features: A blokom typically features a standardized mechanical interface, an electrical docking system, and a local processing unit. The materials are described as lightweight but strong composites with self-healing properties to repair minor damage. Energy systems may include integrated batteries, microgrid compatibility, and options for solar or other renewables. The unit is designed to accommodate interior modular layouts and climate control, with built-in sensors for monitoring structural integrity, occupancy, and environmental conditions. Communication uses wired and wireless networks to form a mesh between adjacent blokoms.

Context and usage: In world-building and design fiction, blokoms are deployed to rapidly assemble temporary housing, emergency shelters, or expandable urban blocks after disasters or during population booms. They are also explored as a concept in discussions of modular construction, disaster resilience, and sustainable urbanism. Real-world analogies are cited, but blokom remains a fictional or speculative construct rather than an established technology.

See also: modular construction, self-healing materials, smart blocks, block-based design.