Paragons of Virtue Part 2 Project 2019 Ben Price Nottingham Trent University | UK In the year 2050 a prophecy for the accelerating advances of our infrastructural future is realised. We are currently witnessing unprecedented progressions of technology: the introduction of artificial intelligence, breakthroughs in quantum computing and the promise of clean energy sources.Once such systems become a reality, the foreseen result takes the form of a man-made deity, a Quantum Artificial Super Intelligence with the characteristics of a god: omnipotence, omnipresence and omniscience. The architectural intervention therefore proposes a safeguard system for controlling this power.In the presence of advanced technologies, the architecture itself looks to ancient methods of construction to form both identity and security. Originating from the ancient Greek term ‘tekton’, referring to artisans and craftsmen, an examination of tectonics draws parallels with the underlying religious narrative of the thesis, with the Bible itself using the term in relation to Christ.The overall character of the intervention, formed through its tectonic approach, subsequently takes inspiration from the monolithic hewn temples of Lalibela, which were master planned to create a ‘New Jerusalem’. This juxtaposition of ancient and advanced methods and ideas subsequently forms a core part of the architectural identity.Yet the question remains: can we ever truly control a god? Ben Price Tutor(s) Kenneth Fraser