Topic 29: People think that old buildings should be knocked down and give way to the new buildings. Do you agree or disagree? How important are old buildings to us?

Every item of property has its own lifespan. So does every building. City planners are very often confronted with a debate concerning whether an old building should be deconstructed or maintained. In my opinion, it depends on whether the targeted building can satisfy the needs of the city.

There is no denying that some old buildings are of aesthetic, archaeological or architectural values. They might be either integral to a culture as a symbol of a city or country or unique in the domain of architecture. Demolition of such buildings will inflict damage to cultural heritage and prevent architects from drawing their inspiration from their predecessors. Because of their uniqueness, old buildings are very likely to provide a source of tourism income, if maintained well. It is fair to say that old buildings of this kind are much more important than any new building and performing more functions than any new building does.

With regard to other old buildings, possessing no specific value while becoming dilapidated, entire destruction is an acceptable and understandable decision. Low in quality and poor in conditions, some old buildings are actually posing a danger on users and pedestrians. They might stand in the way of a new road line or impede other forms of urban development. Whether they have been renovated or not, these buildings blemish the landscape and provide no justification for continued maintenance. Replacing old buildings with new ones meets the renewed needs of the city.

In summary, whether to conserve or pull down old buildings is a question that can only be answered on a case-by-case basis. People involved should carefully weigh up the pros and cons of new developments before reaching a conclusion.

1. lifespan = lifetime = natural life

2. deconstruct = demolish = bulldoze = knock down = pull down

3. aesthetic = artistic

4. domain = area field

5 demolition = destruction = pulling down = knocking down

6. inflict = cause = impose

7. predecessor = forerunner = precursor

8. dilapidated = wrecked = decaying

9. pedestrian = walker = person on foot

10. renovate = refurbish = revamp

11. blemish = damage = tarnish = spoil-rum

12. renewed = changed = improved

13. weigh up-assess = evaluate = compare-estimate

Topic 30: Some people believe that new buildings should be built in traditional styles. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

Architecture is an integral part of every single culture. Accordingly some people suggest that new buildings should be constructed with a classical style, in an effort to protect a nation's cultural identity. I agree with their recommendation that maintaining a nation's cultural identity is a priority.

New constructions might not only cause direct damage to those existing aged buildings, which are central to a nation's culture, but also destroy the integrity of the cityscape, which characterises a country. Over the past decades, there has been a growing recognition that architecture is an element that distinguishes one culture from another. That is why people are not surprised to see that buildings differ in styles from country to country. New constructions, if not aligned with the existing buildings, will impair the uniqueness of an architecture style, which has been widely recognised, studied and treasured by the world.

Another main justification for upholding atraditional building style is that it contributes to the diversity of building models in a country. By preserving classical architecture, some regions are marked by the mingling of buildings of different ages and types. Many cities in Europe can be cited as examples, where buildings in a traditional or ancient format coexist with modernised buildings, performing different functions and serving dissimilar purposes. It bridges the past and the present history, and reminds people of the heritage of a country. It creates a modern identity of a region or country as well.

Despite the role of old architecture works in retaining cultural heritage, not all the buildings should be necessarily designed and constructed in a traditional pattern. On the one hand, it is at odds with diversity. It comes as no surprise that ceaseless pursuit of a classical style will result in the sameness of buildings in a country. On the other, traditional building models require specific craftsmanship and building materials, which are neither affordable nor accessible to every developer, so they cannot be applied on a large scale.

From the points enlisted above, it seems obvious that architecture is an approach of preserving a nation's cultural heritage, so new construction should be undertaken to adhere to a traditional style. Although it might not be reflected in all buildings, it does play a great part in maintaining and reinforcing cultural identity of a region or country.

1. accordingly = therefore = hence

2. integrity = completeness = intactness

3. characterise = feature

4. aligned with = consistent with = in harmony with

5. uphold = defend = support

6. mingling = mixture = blending = combination

7. coexist = exist together

8. bridge = link = join

9. at odds with = contrary to = in opposition with

10. sameness = monotony = uniformity

11. enlist = introduce

Topic 31: It is more important for a building to serve its purposes than to look beautiful. Architects do not need to worry about whether it is a real work of art. Do you agree or disagree?

Buildings, not very different from other commodities, perform various functions and serve varying needs of their users. At the centre of the controversy is whether the purposes of a building should be placed above its aesthetical values. As far as I am concerned, these two qualities are not conflicting, but mutually beneficial.

In a modern society, aesthetical considerations are no longer considered as insignificant or luxury but have been integrated as a core function of a building. People have comprehensive requirements or a building. No longer limited to such ordinary functions, such as safety, durability, space, access to facilities, their interests involve decorative details and visual qualities, including ornamentation and furnishings. In simple terms, a pedestrian-looking building is bound to mismatch the trend of the market.

Meanwhile, it is worth mentioning that some types of buildings are broadly expected by the public to possess aesthetical values. Standard examples include restaurants, theatres, churches and so forth. A building falling in these categories desires a design of originality and rarity, aiming to distinguish itself from other constructions of its kind or those in its surroundings. Architects' inspirations add values to the building and increase its marketability. Many buildings have become symbolic in the city or region where they are located.

When being concerned with the aesthetic aspect of architecture, people should consider economic feasibility. The focus on the exterior of a building alone will lead to the increase in construction cost, making such an endeavour unjustified. In those cities where overpopulation continues to be a problem and many people cannot afford housing, whether a building looks beautiful would not be taken seriously. In that situation, the rationale is to accommodate a huge population, rather than simply please the eye.

Based on the arguments outlined above, adding visual appeals to a building is consistent with the needs of a modern society. However, it does not mean that the concern on aesthetics should be at the expense of a building's practical functions; on the contrary, a building should be the result of the delicate balance between the two ideals

1. integrate = incorporate = assimilate

2. ornamentation = decoration = adornment

3. bound to = set to = expected to

4. mismatch = fail to match or suit

5. rarity = uniqueness

6. marketability = profit-earning ability

7. symbolic = representative

8. feasibility = viability

9. unjustified = groundless

10. rationale = underlying principle

11. delicate = subtle = fine