The Future of Walls: Exploring Architectural and Societal Shifts

The Increasing Prevalence of Barriers in a Changing World

While outer space represents the ultimate boundless expanse, our understanding of 'space' on Earth typically involves enclosure. Walls, fences, and other barriers serve to delineate areas, providing definition and clarity. Indeed, the concept of boundaries is so ingrained in our modern experience that we often qualify natural environments – such as parks and forests – as “open space” to emphasize their lack of spatial constraints.

Although enclosures have existed for centuries, the scale and political implications of these barriers are unprecedented. In the United States, the proposed construction of a southern border wall with Mexico during the Trump administration sparked considerable debate. However, with the acceleration of climate change and a global increase in migration, walls are increasingly becoming commonplace as political instruments. Recently, Greece reinforced its border with Turkey, anticipating a surge of Afghan refugees following the Taliban's takeover of Kabul.

A Novel Exploration of Fear and Isolation

John Lanchester explores these themes of barriers, apprehension, and politics in his compelling novel, “The Wall.”

The novel’s premise is straightforward: a United Kingdom, significantly impacted by climate change and substantial migration, constructs a comprehensive wall around its coastline. Sentries are stationed at regular intervals to monitor for potential intruders, their primary objective being to prevent entry. Failure to uphold this duty results in symbolic punishment – exile, effectively turning the watchers into the watched.

The narrative primarily centers on two sentries who, as the plot suggests, will ultimately face exile. This allows for a profound examination of the meaning of 'home', as well as the implications of barriers and displacement in a world offering diminishing refuge.

Atmosphere and Social Commentary

Despite a somewhat underdeveloped plot and characters, the novel excels in creating a palpable atmosphere of dread and portraying a society nearing its conclusion. Daily life – including social gatherings and work – continues, but within a world where the jet stream has vanished, subjecting the fictional U.K. to frigid temperatures. This pervasive sense of gray, somber darkness permeates the book, influencing descriptions of both the wall’s construction and the personalities of its inhabitants.

This creates an ironic tension: global warming is increasing temperatures, yet humanity simultaneously develops a detached stoicism in response to its devastating effects. We remain human, but become emotionally distant, sacrificing connection and community to safeguard what remains.

This emotional detachment also manifests in new class divisions, not only between citizens and refugees, but also between generations. Younger generations, confronting the consequences of environmental degradation, increasingly disregard the guidance of their elders. A psychological barrier arises: how can one learn from those who permitted this to occur? However, initial outrage has subsided into a resigned acceptance, hindering meaningful intergenerational dialogue.

Lanchester skillfully develops these extensions of the central premise, and they represent the most engaging aspect of this deliberately understated work. The novel is perhaps best enjoyed during the warmth of summer, serving as a counterpoint to the realities of our world – it is not recommended for reading during the colder months.

The Rise of Climate Fiction

In recent years, there has been a growing body of “climate fiction” published, reflecting the increasing prominence of climate change in global awareness. Many of these works draw from science fiction, featuring extensive discussions of technology, policies, and economic systems. This can offer intellectual stimulation for certain readers.

Lanchester, however, deliberately avoids technical details and instead places us in a plausible future – a scenario that could conceivably become our own reality. This constricts the boundaries of our imagination, forcing us to contemplate within more limited parameters. It is a thought-provoking exploration of a world where boundaries are closing in on us all.

The Wall by John Lanchester
W.W. Norton, 2019, 288 pages