John Carter of Mars (2006) - Thark City

This was a concept for the ancient city of the Tharks. In the absence of metal or wood as construction materials, we were trying to come up with alternative construction techniques. My proposal was that they build their structures like sand castles, fusing each layer of sand into a translucent obsidian-like glass using the ninth ray. Over time sandstorms would chip away and erode the glass from the bottom, creating a unique aesthetic.