The AI gold rush can only be sustained through the extensive construction of new hyperscale data centres. But what really happens when the Cloud hits the ground? What (false) promises and forms of destruction do these megafactories of compute bring with them?

Taking a historical detour via the 17th and 20th century, “Tulip” retells the story of Meta’s failed attempt to build one of Europe’s largest and most resource-hungry data centre on the world’s largest artificial island. 

At first glance, the narrative reads like a wholesome resistance story – how the people of Zeewolde successfully chased Meta out of town. Looking at it more closely, however, it becomes clear that megaprojects tend to reappear in other places, where they have the potential to cause even more harm. 

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The AI gold rush can only be sustained through the extensive construction of new hyperscale data centres. But what really happens when the Cloud hits the ground? What (false) promises and forms of destruction do these megafactories of compute bring with them?

Taking a historical detour via the 17th and 20th century, “Tulip” retells the story of Meta’s failed attempt to build one of Europe’s largest and most resource-hungry data centre on the world’s largest artificial island. 

At first glance, the narrative reads like a wholesome resistance story – how the people of Zeewolde successfully chased Meta out of town. Looking at it more closely, however, it becomes clear that megaprojects tend to reappear in other places, where they have the potential to cause even more harm. 

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