The abundance of elements in the universe is clear and they are there for the taking we just need to work out efficient processes that turn space rocks into raw materials; solids, liquids, gases, to create environments that we need to survive and flourish.
At some point we will have enough knowledge that we can automate these processes and set machines to work to hollow out asteroids and create structures in space. Its just a matter of knowledge, time and experience.
I dream of a far off future where our knowledge of chemistry, physics, biology and computing all fuse together to create artificial environments that are more lush and beautiful than anything our ancestors could have dreamed.
Abundance of elements:
1 Hydrogen 739,000
2 Helium 240,000
8 Oxygen 10,400
6 Carbon 4,600
10 Neon 1,340
26 Iron 1,090
7 Nitrogen 960
14 Silicon 650
12 Magnesium 580
16 Sulfur 440