Architecture is a living art, shaped by technology, social norms, and economic realities. Advancing the field requires care, attention, and restraint—progress is not guaranteed. In fact, buildings and cities we make today are often inferior to the older ones, both materially and conceptually. There are many reasons: education of architects and engineers, an explosion of new and untested construction techniques, and the speculative nature of real estate, to name a few. Ultimately, the decline in our ability to create enduring architecture can be traced to loss of trust in society and waning interest in long-term thinking. This, in turn, has to do with how we exchange and store value: money. A fiat system that allows for the creation of currency with no real worth has led to instability, impoverishment, and cynicism. This is reflected in architecture through simplistic designs that rely on shock value and cheap gimmicks in pursuit of short-lived attention. Prioritizing short-term gains over lasting value has depleted urban space. The consequences are evident in the built environment around us.
The best path forward is found through three emerging technologies: automated labor via robotics and AI; energy generation from renewable sources; and sound money through Bitcoin. The convergence of these key innovations promises unprecedented growth and prosperity: a transition from costly labor, scarce energy, and devalued currency to cheap labor, abundant energy, and a stable monetary system. A new paradigm also brings about a new class of benefactors: pioneers, crypto anarchists, and libertarians. This new-found elite will have the opportunity to revive progress in arts through wealth-driven, long-term initiatives. Placing excellence over risk-averse conformity, they can help to liberate architecture from mediocrity, bureaucratic excess, and short-term commercial interests. This will call into question how we design and build today, opening a way for a simpler, bolder, more confident, and resilient future.