10. Zero-Time Space, the End of Architecture

An archaeology of the future would reveal that any future is firmly set in the time it was imagined in. Following the paths of the changing spatial transitions between context, construction and human activities as outlined in this book we do not need to rely on technology to show us the paths towards the future. On the contrary, the parameters that have been driving the process of modernisation—the reduction of space, the shortening of time and the emphasis on human activities—will continue to determine not just the way our cities and architecture will look like, but also the way we use these spaces. Ironically, the effect of all these transitional spaces that we are building is slowly destroying the one bubble we call home: our planet. Cities seen from space glow in the dark, not only because of the lighting that keeps us up at night, but also due to the heat generated to keep us warm. This heat is also visible emanating from the exhaust of the air conditioning units that keeps us cool in the summer. Our dreams of imaginary spaces are ever more quickly destroying our planet, and we are at a turning point regarding the direction where these spaces are taking us.