Truckstops on the Information Superhighway (2018)

In the 1970s, the experimental architecture collective Ant Farm conceived the "Truckstop Network" as a way to challenge traditional media structures by creating a decentralized information network using cars and vans. They aimed to offer a two-way communication system that would empower individuals to produce and share their own content. The network would consist of mobile truck stops providing essential services for travelers while also serving as hubs for media creation and exchange. Ant Farm's vision anticipated concepts that would later shape the internet, such as packet-switching and distributed networks. Despite the decline of American highway culture, the idea of a constantly moving, fragmented existence persisted in the development of the internet. The Truckstop Network highlighted the potential for mobile living and the transformative power of media in shaping society. This innovative approach to communication and community building reflected a broader cultural shift towards embracing technology for social change and creative expression.