<Arnold>The twentieth century will be chiefly remembered by future genera-
tions not as an era of political conflicts or technical inventions, but as an age in
which human society dared to think of the welfare of the whole human race as a
practical objective.</Arnold>
<Cesar> For the western civilization this century is the tipping point. As we have
seen before, we are at the moment where the profusion of choices is the main
problem. I suggest that a pleasurable solution is always more desirable and pro-
ductive. Pleasure comes with play, and in that perspective we could deliberately
abandon what does not work and allow ourselves a lucid hedonism with what
works. Essentially that means more individual freedom, a redistribution of the
responsibilities, made possible with a proportionally increased mutual respect. In
architectural terms it means more mobility and reconfigurable ways of living.
One might see our existing structures crumble and evoke abandonment : shall
we accelerate our transformation process (may it be superficially destructive) to
go faster to the next step of civilization? Or are we going to resist? What is more
ethical? Can open architecture have a role in this transition?
Everything “comes from nature” and as soon as we abandon our things, they go
back to nature surprisingly fast. But we don’t want to go back to a primitive life-
style, we want to improve our lifestyles and live harmoniously as a part of nature.
In this perspective of transitional structure, can each individuals face the conse-
quences of his own acts? Or are we too weak to be free?
Philosophy generally operates under political and ethical constraints. In a philo-
sophical operating system, ethic works as a feedback system, informing philosophy
of the quality of the application of philosophical ideas in the real world.
Often morality interferes with philosophy, and common sense replaces ethics,
which is more useful on the longer term?
We are conscious we have failed at predicting our futures and its complexity, we
need a more robust and flexible architectural system to withstand bigger shocks
and challenges. </Cesar>