What is Architecture without Capitalism?

The success of architecture is largely dependent on capitalism. When the economy is doing well, companies are planning new facilities, the architectural communities reap the rewards of an abundance of projects and the money flows into the firms. Thinking about all of us job searching right now, we're seeing this economical boom in the way firms seem to be fighting to hire candidates instead of the other way around. As new to be graduates, this economical success is extremely important to us landing the job we want instead of anywhere that will take us. 

David Harvey's chapter The Right to the City, takes some digs on Capitalism and its often detrimental consequences to the built environment. He speaks of Haussmann's Paris and how the excess of capital allowed him to tear through the city to create a more pristine and planned version of it. Isn't that the ultimate sign of growth? What is supposed to represent a time of prosperous thinking towards the future with the growth and change of the built environment is often to the detriment of those who will eventually inherit it. 

With the economies pocket's full of money right now, I can't help but think of what we're building right now and how we will see it in 25 years time. What good will it bring? But more often I think what harm will these city overhauls, new manufacturing warehouses, and other projects do for our city's futures? When capital not the problem, we tend to use and abuse it to its fullest without pause or question to the future impacts of the investments. 

While these thoughts run through my mind, the thoughts of entering a booming job market and receiving a real paycheck after two years of school occupies my mind even more. I agree with what he says, but I can't say I won't take full advantage of this surplus capital upon graduation.