Perhaps computer architecture is destined to become like building architecture: functionally complete, with variation only in form, aside from some minor incremental innovations and the occasional one-off megaproject.
I'm not an architect, but I very, very, much doubt building architecture is complete. Just look at buildings from 30 years ago to now. The differences are stark.
It’s all form. Buildings 30 years ago and buildings today do almost exactly the same things. Sure there have been marginal improvements, but they are marginal.
I don't know, my house was built in 1920 and it's doing fine. Upgrades have been made- heat pumps, new wiring and so forth- but the overall design of the house isn't really that different from one built today. Except that in my house, the 2x4's are actually 2 inches by 4 inches.
That doesn't mean your house would be build like it's 1920 if it were build right now.
Besides I didn't really mean "normal" houses. But rather large buildings which have complex ventilation, sunlight, climate control and sustainability requirements. There has been a lot of innovation in that space. And it shows in the office buildings that are build today.
