The World Resources Simulation Center

The World Resources Simulation Center originated as a conceptual tool for global problem-solving designed to “make the world work for 100% of humanity in the shortest possible time without ecological damage or disadvantage to anyone”. Conceived in the 1960s, it was originally intended to be a 200-foot diameter geodesic dome on the Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC) campus. The idea was also proposed for the 1969 World’s Fair Montreal Geodesic Dome – but nixed by the US State Dept.

The goal is to create a data-driven, interactive space that could map, analyze, and visualize global resource distribution, population trends, and environmental data to foster spontaneous cooperation.

Fuller’s Geoscope is an earlier, related concept where Fuller proposed a giant, computer-connected, 200-foot diameter sphere for the United Nations, which would serve as a “Mini-Earth” to help delegates visualize global trends and collaborate to solve problems.

The World Resources Simulation Center is closely related to Bucky’s World Game. The “SIMCenter” was intended as a physical, high-tech venue for playing the World Game, an educational simulation meant to act as an alternative to war games, focusing on managing resources sustainably. Inspired by the Cold War “command and control” infrastructure, the SIMCenter was meant to analyze data from satellite sensors, grain reserves, water resources and energy networks.

While the original 1960s SIUC project did not receive funding to be built, the concept was resurrected in the 21st century by Peter Meisen. The World Resources Simulation Center (WRSC.org) in San Diego functioned as a modern iteration of this vision, utilizing digital data to help leaders and students solve complex global and local sustainability challenges.

Currently, SIMCenters are being developed at the SIU Edwardsville and Carbondale campuses. The goal is for these SIMCenters and the related university curriculum to become models for other campuses to develop similar immersive visualization facilities in their region and countries.