Topic 1: Does increasing travels between countries enable people to learn different cultures or to

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?
 
(please the eye), ( understanding of the built environment) ( the exterior and the interior), (creativity),
(blend into its setting);
(aesthetic qualities), ( structure, color, texture, ornamentation, lighting), (reflect a personal style),
( needs, interests, values and sentiments); (marketability) ;
(visual appeals ) ; (have no market value ),
( integrity), ( cramped conditions),
(practical utility),
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 on 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 endeavor 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 modem society. However, it does not l1:eal1 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
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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
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