E28: How far should architecture be both beautiful and practical? Discuss with reference to particular examples in your country.

Architecture may be defined as a combination of function and beauty in the art of building. Until the mid-19th century, all building was governed by three structural principles: the post and lintel, the wooden truss, and the masonry arch. From then, and especially since the 1930s, architecture has been revolutionized by the use of new materials, basically the steel skeleton and reinforced concrete. Thus, structures were freed from the weight limitations imposed by stone and brick at each floor level, so that greater flexibility in design was possible and virtually no limitation imposed on height. From very early times until the 19th century, building limitations had imposed certain styles on architecture, now known as classical styles. In the 20th century, certain innovative architects, such as Gropius, Le Corbusier and Mies van den Rohe broke away from these styles and produced fundamentally new buildings both for public and domestic use. Most modern architecture derives from these pioneers.

Such is a very general statement about what has happened in the Western world. All countries, however, have their indigenous architecture, differing widely in outward appearance but historically limited by the same weight considerations as have applied in the West. Alongside this, the new architecture has been adopted in the East. An observer could stand in Hong Kong, Tokyo, Singapore, London or New York, and not note any essential differences. However, many capital or large cities have placed these new buildings alongside traditional examples, with dire results. St Paul's Cathedral in London is overshadowed by a skyscraper bank complex, a tragedy to anyone with aesthetic values. Wren's magnificent structure once dominated the high ground on the north bank of the Thames and was visible from most parts of London. This is no longer so. The Prince of Wales has rightly castigated the modern architects who have been responsible for this visual vandalism.

Partly as a result of his efforts, the problem of inappropriate architecture is now being taken seriously in Britain. Local planning authorities are made well aware of public feeling. Where, for example, there exists a high-street facade belonging to the 18th - 19th century in a small town, any new buildings are made to conform to this particular style. Not all countries take this line. There are, for example, no planning regulations in Spain. As a result, visual vandalism is unrestrained. Read the whole essay
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