Friday, February 10, 2012


Writing Task 2 Essay comparing buildings of the past and present.

In the past, buildings often reflected the culture of a society but modern building look alike and cities throughout the world are becoming more and more similar. What do you think is the reason for this and is it good or bad?

You should use your own ideas, knowledge and experience and support your arguments with examples and evidences.



Mankind is witnessing an unprecedented rise of urban sprawls that are enormous in proportions and often similar in the sterile looks they sport. This essay takes a glance at the various reasons behind the mushrooming of cities that are peppered with glass and steel towers with little or no cultural elements or a tinge of the history or ethos of the land.
A burgeoning population in the bigger cities of the world has put enormous constraints
on the resources particularly land. Developers and town planners found accommodating more people to be the need of hour and knowledge and expertise was shared across continents on how to come up with innovative building solution that are cheaper, space saving and efficient.
This quest for modernity undoubtedly led to cities losing their charm of unique identity.

Beside a massive shift in aesthetics also has a role to play post-modern art and design
often goes for minimalism and most traditional style are considered unfashionable today.
Another strong ground is the dwindling number of people with know-how and materials that are specific and local, which are essential to make any building have an old world charm.

In spite of the contradiction it brings to the table, the impacts of modernity on sky rises
cannot be done away with, and the contributions to a fast paced lifestyle are immense. People are little concerned about the similarities between cities when their prime concern is to have a decent dwelling that is affordable and convenient. However it is high time that governments woke up to the preservation of building of the past that give an identity to the metropolises and enhance skyline. For instance, no big building is allowed to come up in the heart of Paris which is still preserved like an alluring post card.

All in all. I feel that although it is not very good for all the cities to look alike, it is one of
the many unavoidable incongruities of the present day. However, it is a matter of consolation that there are a number of factors that add favor and character of urban hot spots, like culture, climate and the people.

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