This post inspired by a particularly energetic lunchtime conversation.
Good friend brought up new technology
Collects sunlight on roof, distributes via fiber optic cables to light fixtures in building
Sounds great and all, but technology like that has existed for over a thousand years.
Windows.
In use since Roman times.
Allows as much light in as you want, use shades and curtains to control when not wanted
Very cheap to install, no specialized skills required to do so
Extremely cost-effective over the life of the building, not prone to expensive failure
So why are we spending billions on fruitless non-advances in technology?
My thesis is that we're entering a hyper-technical dark age
"Technology" generic solution for every problem, even if "technological" solution doesn't make more sense than existing technology
Always cost more, provide questionable return on investment
Maintenance costs significantly higher over lifetime