Solving the Housing Mismatch
The Block Foundation mission is enabling architects to take back initiative and contribute in solving the mismatch in housing through blockchain technology.
Architecture has lost initiative
Architecture has lost initiative — housing development is in stasis. Architecture is no longer a driving force in social innovation, but a mere service to capital; unable to act and respond to pressing factors that lie beyond the dominant narrow frame.
Modern zoning in cities has caused a mismatch between what residents need, and what developers are allowed to build. This leads to a calcified housing market that is not worth salvaging, evident by serious housing shortages and high barriers to entry.
Questioning Existing Practices
To address these very issues, the Block Foundation initiates the Meta-Estate Lab to question existing practices.
Mechanism Design
Applications developed in the lab create mechanisms that foster an equilibrium through design. Based on reverse game-theory, these mechanisms validate the creation of quality and the livelihood of people.
Market Dynamics
Study the dynamics of the housing market while ensuring that a building and its tenants form a socially sustainable community through algorithmic governance.
Stakeholder Alignment
Bring together architects, developers, researchers, and residents to formulate new scenarios where the creation of quality housing is incentivized by design.
Researching new housing models
Block Foundation researches new forms of housing tenure beyond the traditional divide between renting and owning. As a non-profit research foundation we publish open models that help communities, policymakers and industry rethink how housing is organised.
By studying how transparent digital agreements can involve all actors in a building’s lifecycle, we contribute open research and standards toward a fairer housing system.
A New Building Economy
Blurred Boundaries
In the future we foresee, the boundaries between the initiator, creator and resident will blur. One where architecture claws back initiative.
Community Participation
A building culture with low barriers to entry, where residents and communities take an active part in shaping and caring for their own housing.
Decentralized Security
Increase legitimacy, security and stability with decentralized contracts that ensure transparency and trust for all participants.
Creator Economy
A creator economy in which promising architects are given a framework for growth and sustainable incentives throughout a building's lifetime.
Community Governance
Residents and stakeholders shape the buildings they inhabit through transparent on-chain voting, turning passive occupants into active stewards of their community.
Borderless Access
A globally accessible knowledge commons that connects architects, builders, and researchers across borders, unlocking housing solutions wherever they are needed most.
From vision to reality
The Block Foundation emerged from a simple observation: despite having the technology and resources to house everyone, 1.6 billion people still lack adequate shelter.
Launched as a DAO in 2023, we’ve grown into a global network of contributors united by the belief that blockchain technology can democratize access to quality architecture and sustainable housing solutions.
Housing Isn’t Synonymous to Succumb to Rabid Markets
Modern zoning in cities has caused a mismatch between what residents need, and what developers are allowed to build. This leads to a calcified housing market that is not worth salvaging, evident by serious housing shortages and high barriers to entry.
Rethinking housing tenure
The Block Foundation researches new forms of housing tenure beyond the traditional divide between renting and owning. As a non-profit research foundation we publish open models that help communities, policymakers and industry rethink how housing is organised.
By studying how transparent digital agreements can involve all actors in a building’s lifecycle, we contribute open research and standards toward a fairer housing system.
How We’ll Get There
Strategic goals that drive everything we work on.
Open Architecture Library
Build the world’s largest open-source library of housing designs, accessible to builders and communities everywhere.
Transparent Property Rights
Create blockchain-based systems for property registration that protect ownership and prevent fraud.
Housing Systems Research
Research open, transparent models that make access to housing more equitable for underserved communities.
Global Community Building
Foster a worldwide network of architects, developers, and advocates working together on housing solutions.
Measuring what matters
We measure our success not just by the technology we build, but by the real-world impact we create. Every design shared, every property registered, and every community empowered brings us closer to our goal.
- Open-source designs accessible globally.
- Communities engaged in governance.
- Properties registered on-chain.
- Lives improved through better housing.
Join the Mission
Every person can play a role in solving the housing crisis. Find out how you can contribute to our mission.