At the turn of the 20th century, engineers referred to early air cooling technology as “man-made weather,” a splendidly optimistic phrase suggesting that science was about to master those most unconquerable of all natural forces—the elements. In the decades that followed, “air conditioning” became the preferred term—a more pragmatic description of filtering, cooling and optimizing the moisture of interior air. This less impressive label hardly diminishes the huge impact AC has had on the planet. The technology has made much of the world comfortably habitable for billions of people and facilitated the explosion of new cities. As historian Hal Rothman explains in Neon Metropolis, “air-conditioning was the catalyst for habitability” in the American South. Every visitor to Las Vegas knows that almost nothing happens in the desert city without conditioned air. Even in the intense summer heat, it makes This story is from Kinfolk Issue Thirty-Two Buy Now Related Stories Arts & Culture Issue 51 Emily Gernild The Danish painter breathing new life into an old medium. Arts & Culture Food Issue 51 Imogen Kwok The artist takes food styling quite literally, creating accessories out of fruits and vegetables. Arts & Culture Design Issue 51 How to Make a Chair And do it on a tiny budget. Arts & Culture Issue 51 Odd Jobs The comedian with strong opinions about your home décor. Arts & Culture Issue 51 Tall Order The hidden depths of height. Arts & Culture Films Issue 51 Vicky Krieps An interview with the actor.
Arts & Culture Food Issue 51 Imogen Kwok The artist takes food styling quite literally, creating accessories out of fruits and vegetables.
