When old buildings stand on ground that modern planners feel could be better used for modern purposes, modern development should be given precedence over the preservation of historic buildings.

Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with the statement and explain your reasoning for the position you take. In developing and supporting your position, you should consider ways in which the statement might or might not hold true and explain how these considerations shape your position.






This topic raises the controversial issue of whether to preserve historical buildings or give precedence over modern development. Indisputably, old building should be demolished to build contemporary buildings such as high-rise buildings, apartments, terrace houses etc., given that the increasing population in countries such as China and India. Nevertheless, it is crucial to maintain these historical buildings as it serves as an identity of the country and the city will look beautiful due to its disparity of the building structure. Thus, I generally disagree to some extent with the prompt that modern buildings should be given the priority over ancient properties.

Generally, historical buildings act as a symbol or identity for the country. Take Taj Mahal as an example. Taj Mahal was built in 17th century by Shah Jahan for his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. This building was a memento for us to remember his true love to his wife. If this building was bulldozed and erected with factories or apartments, we may have lost this precious entity. This historical building enables us to appreciate the true beauty behind this wonderful premise as it is perceptible to us and not to appreciate through internet or books.

Furthermore, if modern properties were given the priority over ancient edifice, then the city will look so dull and uninteresting. We can observe that in the presence of immemorial buildings, the city will be unique than other urban as it has something that other places do not have. When we travel around the city, historical buildings will certainly be arresting and mesmerizing to us. For instance, the Forbidden city in China. Forbidden City is one of the unique entities that China could offer to the denizens and tourists. It serves as an ancient place whereby it had been through many dynasties and a symbolic place for Chinese people. If it was razed to build houses and shopping complex, wouldn’t it be crestfallen to lose such a wonderful building?

Admittedly, we do need to remove some old buildings and erect modern buildings for the over-populated countries such as China and India. We were acknowledged that China had been one of the highest populace countries in the world. China had a lot of old buildings. If those buildings were not remove and replace with newer ones, they could not cater the high demand of people for houses to stay. This is true especially when the demand of houses over-exceeded the supply of houses. Perhaps, instead of demolishes these old buildings and substitute with a new one, we may refurbish the old ones and make it a better place to stay or view.

In conclusion, although it would be a great idea to give preference to contemporary buildings over ancient ones, however, it is equally important to preserve the old buildings as it serves as an identity to the country.