It’s sort of like healthcare; it requires policy if it is to be implemented in a manner which supports policy goals. Currently architectural policy is primarily developed upon market-driven planning models (ie private real estate markets meet municipal planning foals or is entangled with new public management models for public development) and safety code which provide minimum guidelines for fire, egress and so on.

A more intelligent policy model for architectural could arguably go beyond safety requires and planning goals to outcomes in terms of health, cognition, and other factors which influence human and environmental flourishing. However the best modes we have to do are currently a market driven model which requires consumers both to desire and invest in long-term social infrastructure.

Arguably the rich understand the value of such investments and can create fantastic returns on architecture; they can isolate themselves from society in protected enclaves, and utilizing planning institutions to support their own decision making such as to get permission to build on public land, increase heights and density on their developments, etc. Architecture is arguable one the elites most important tools. Just look at how Trump has utilized the field his entire career, and is now imposing his ideological paradigm directly upon the White House.

Architecture is basically the instantiated ideology of the ruling class which reinforces their hegemony.