All buildings are predictions, and all predictions are wrong. Architectural design should create adaptable spaces rather than attempting to perfectly predict and design for future needs.
Book: How Buildings Learn
Buildings are designed based on assumptions about how they will be used, which essentially makes them architect's predictions about future needs and functionalities.
However, the predictions are almost always wrong because the future is largely unpredictable. The needs and desires of building occupants change over time, often in unexpected ways. For example, an office building designed in 1990 couldn't have anticipated today's hybrid work culture and different workspace needs.
Therefore, an architect should focus on core structure and flexibility. They should prioritize a strong and adaptable structure over intricate details, allowing for easier modifications and renovations as needs change.
This also relates to piecemeal growth from Christopher Alexander, who suggests continuous incremental improvements and adjustments to buildings throughout their lifespan. This idea in architecture design is similar to premature Optimization Is the Root of All Evil in software design.
Two other architecture books that I might write about in the future are A Pattern Language and The Timeless Way of Building. They are often referenced in software and product design. Welcome to recommend more books in this field!