Energy
“Form is a force, not a static object” - Christopher Alexander
Energy is one of the most critical economic and social issues of our time. The discourse has primarily centered around energy conservation as a strategy to address environmental impacts. However, architecture and design have the potential to revolutionize the energy landscape. A sustainable future can be achieved by transitioning from centralized, fossil fuel-based energy systems to decentralized renewable energy sources. To bring this aspiration to life, smart microgrids that integrate renewable energy generation, energy storage, and distribution networks are essential. These systems enable individuals and communities to become energy producers and share their surplus energy with others.
Architecture and design are not just physical objects but are dynamic forces that constantly evolve and adapt to the people and communities they serve. When it comes to energy, the form of our buildings and cities plays a significant role in our energy consumption. Buildings account for roughly 40% of global energy consumption and carbon emissions. But what if buildings could be designed to generate energy?
This is where the concept of energy-positive buildings and Passive House comes in. Energy-positive buildings generate more energy than they consume, which can then be fed back into the grid. These buildings are designed to harness renewable energy sources like solar power and use energy-efficient strategies to reduce energy consumption. This is a prime example of how injecting energy into a building in the form of renewable energy sources can turn it into a dynamic force, generating energy for the wider community.
The same can be said for proof-of-work systems like Bitcoin. Proof-of-work involves solving complex cryptographic puzzles to validate transactions on the network, which requires significant amounts of computational power and energy. Critics of proof-of-work argue that this energy consumption is wasteful and unsustainable. However, supporters of proof-of-work argue that this energy consumption is necessary to secure the network and prevent centralized malicious actors from taking over.
In a way, proof-of-work systems inject energy into the network, turning it into a dynamic force that is constantly evolving and adapting to the changing needs of the community. Overall, the concept of proof-of-work highlights the idea that significant effort and energy is required to achieve a certain goal, whether that be validating transactions on a blockchain, creating a well-crafted, energy positive building. In terms of craft in buildings, the concept of proof-of-work can be seen in the attention to detail and quality of craftsmanship in a building project. Just as miners need to put in significant effort and energy to solve complex puzzles in proof-of-work, craftsmen need to put in significant effort and skill to create a well-crafted building.
The concept of energy-positive buildings highlights the potential of injecting energy into the built environment to create dynamic, self-sustaining systems. Similarly, proof-of-work systems like Bitcoin inject energy into the network to ensure its security and stability, turning it into a dynamic force that is constantly evolving and adapting to the changing needs of the community. As we continue to grapple with issues like energy consumption and sustainability, it is essential to embrace this dynamic approach to design and technology and harness the power of energy to create a more connected world.
Fiat architecture lacks a connection to reality and truth. The term "fiat" is often used to refer to something that has been established or created by authority or decree, rather than being based on consensus or quality. For example, fiat currency is paper money that has been declared legal tender by a government, even though it is not backed by a physical commodity like gold. In the context of architecture, fiat architecture can refers to buildings and spaces that have been designed primarily for image or status, rather than for functional or aesthetic reasons. Another way to approach architecture that is rooted in reality and truth is to consider the value of human labor and craft, a concept that John Ruskin explored in his work. Ruskin believed that architecture should reflect the values of society and the skills of the craftspeople who built it, rather than simply serving as a symbol of wealth and power.
This idea is similar to the concept of proof of work in Bitcoin, where the value of the cryptocurrency is tied to the effort and energy expended by miners to validate transactions. Like Ruskin's emphasis on the value of labor, proof of work emphasizes the importance of effort and work in creating something of value. In a world where our built environment and financial systems are becoming more dynamic and self-sustaining, it's clear that the old models of centralization and uniformity are no longer enough. Instead, we must embrace the power of energy and the organic, living systems that it can create. From energy-positive buildings to proof-of-work systems like Bitcoin, the future belongs to those who can harness the power of energy and use it to create more dynamic, adaptable, and sustainable systems.