Architecture is a living tradition and a language, shaped by technology, culture, and money. But progress is not guaranteed. Most great cities were built long ago. Part of this comes down to declining standards in architectural education, untested construction methods, and the fact that we no longer build for ourselves and our communities. But the deeper problem is our inability to think long-term. We see this in buildings that are expensive to build but won't last. Prioritizing short-term gains over lasting value has left our cities worse off.
Three foundational technologies point toward a way out: robotics and AI (labor), renewables (energy), and Bitcoin (money). Together, they could bring about a shift from costly labor, scarce energy, and inflation to cheap automated labor, abundant clean energy, and a stable monetary system. This would make high-quality construction feasible again and restore our ability to think long-term. When wealth grows rather than erodes, individuals, families, and communities can plan further ahead. Architecture can once again become a gift to the future rather than a burden on it.