Have you ever wondered how our modern computers came about? If you do, then maybe you’d like to read some incredible history and consider the whole philosophical debate around artificial intelligence, machine learning, and some of the perceived future uses of this technology. If so, I would like to recommend you a very interesting book. One that was way ahead of its time and would still make you think today.
Yes, if you ask me, this is a book that is in my personal library. And it is a good book that I would recommend, if you are interested in this subject. The name of the book is;
“soft architecture machine” by Nicholas Negroponte, MIT Press, MA, 1976, (140 pp), ISBM: 978-02621-4018-8
So, imagine a self-created artificially intelligent CAD CAM software program, which could design buildings, all by itself without a human operator, and these would be buildings that would be more pleasant to humans, even than buildings that humans they build themselves. Now consider the artificial intelligence inside your home that is constantly manipulating your home for its needs. Sort of like Bill Gates’ high-tech house of the future on steroids.
Climate control just happens, it would make sense if it was hot or cold or whatever it took. Walls would move inwards, open up as needed, light would be redirected, entire kitchens would fold in, and even the pictures on the wall would change depending on who was walking down the hall. All of that doesn’t seem so exotic now, most of it exists, and the rest seems like a very possible future. However, this book was written in 1976.
And the people at MIT were busy figuring out how to design all of that back then. Well, it’s here, or most of it, and the rest will be here soon. In fact, I hope you’ll consider this and buy this book if you’re interested. Think about it.