The appearance of cities has been changed by modern buildings. The government should ensure that all the new buildings are built in traditional styles in order to protect the cultural identity of cities. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Skyscrapers are sprouting out in groups in the metropolises across China. And one frequent topic of discussion is that whether government should take measures to ensure that the new buildings are built in traditional styles so as to preserve the cultural identity of cities. It is crucial to preserve our cultural identity in the present age of globalization. But I do not think it is appropriate to construct all new buildings in traditional styles.
Culture identity is not carved into stone. Evidently, the mankind has made extraordinary progress in the accumulation of knowledge and the development of technical innovations.This has greatly transformed cultures around the world. Novel conceptions of design are available nowadays to ensure that newly constructed buildings are more stable, convenient and comfortable for the inhabitants. Moreover, as the competition between real estate dealers becomes increasing stiff, the shape and dimensions of the skyscrapers depend entirely on the necessity of offering tenants apartments and offices that please them. Buildings in the same style (traditional style) will greatly limit our choice. And it's also notable that government meddling often leads to reduction of market efficiency and contagion of corruption. Consequently, even if we plan to preserve the traditional style of buildings, we should not turn to government for help, nor should we force every building to be constructed in traditional styles.
Admittedly, preserving our culture identity is crucial in the present age of globalization. Culture heritages, whether it be tangible such as time-honored houses, or intangible such as rites, rituals and traditional building styles, should all be preserved and passed on to our descendents. Historic houses are an integral part of the cultural identity of cities. More importantly, traditional styles of building have been tested and constantly improved by our ancestors for the past 2000 years. Many complicate designs of traditional houses are missing in the modern buildings. Obviously, we can learn a lot from our forefathers.
So it is undeniable that the design of modern buildings should absorb some traditional styles. But we should not reject contemporary design conceptions, nor should we seek to force all new buildings to be built in traditional styles. Buildings should be built for the good of its inhabitants.