As you drive, look, walk, and see residential neighborhoods around this United States of America, what do you see almost always? How many houses have been constructed as representative of the time in which they were built? Most residential development is planned using the design of past time periods. The newest technology and materials, the best climate control systems, up-to-date features, and the most efficient and green energy systems are used. But, the aesthetics of the house go back to a previous era. Such is very popular and sells all over. Many of these houses are not even even considered for where they are built for climate and terrain.
What does all of this say about our personalities as a population and our place in the progress of civilization and intellectual growth? It is a very strong characteristic of human behavior that most often as a choice emotion will trump over intellect. People are drawn to and comfortable with what they know. The new and unknown are not generally as attractive. The seeking and desire of growth to a higher level of aesthetics is not there.
Mass production is geared toward a mass market for mass consumerism. Mass purchases reflect the level of aesthetics, intelligence, education, and life style of it’s buyers and in general are geared toward the average person (Who or what is the average person?). Houses that reflect a past design era sell.
To many people, a house of a past period design is a higher level of status than a contemporary one regardless of the quality of the aesthetics and design. Status is a very important emotional expression for these people and they will promote and fight and defend that position from all comers. It is not the quality of the design but the perceived status that rules them.
A reproduction of any kind is never of the same aesthetic or intellectual or civilized level as an original. Some people chose a very high level of quality and design for a contemporary house over an expensive reproduction house. They have what becomes a classic. The other house becomes an old house of no intellectual or historical merit. Even them, some people are attracted to a house because it is old as it is their position that such is of a higher level of status. Emotion rules even when lots of money is involved.
It is good to study, learn, be aware of and appreciate the past for the life of it’s time. It not good to be in the present and live in the past.
Older is not always better. It’s just older.
Food for thought.