Architecture in 2024: Demolition, War, and Speculative Futures

In 2024, the architecture world witnessed significant losses, ranging from high-profile demolitions to destruction in conflict zones. Kanye West and Bianca Censori faced backlash after dismantling a Malibu residence designed by Tadao Ando, which they bought for $57.3 million, ultimately selling it for less than half that price. In October, the Tropicana casino in Las Vegas was demolished to make way for a baseball stadium. In Gaza, Israeli airstrikes damaged more than 70% of the buildings. Israel suggested an AI-driven Gaza Free Trade Zone, while Saudi Arabia's Project NEOM saw a reduction in scale and reported 21,000 worker fatalities. China has 64 million vacant housing units, and U.S. commercial property values have declined. Riken Yamamoto received the Pritzker Prize. The author is Luis Ortega Govela, a Mexican architect based in Los Angeles.