14. Housing and Architecture

State/council housing

In some countries the government provides state or council housing

This helps people who cannot afford to buy their own house

It can be argued that state housing creates dependence on the government

People should be rely on the government to look after them

People have no incentive to earn money and buy their own home

Council properties are often made with cheap, poor-quality materials.

Old Buildings

Historic buildings are part of a country’s heritage

They should be protected

Old buildings are often considered to be works or art

They give character to cities and attract tourists

They show us how people lived in the past

We identify countries by architectural symbols like the pyramids in Egypt

Governments should spend money on looking after historic buildings

They need regular repairs and maintenance

New buildings should be designed to complement them

Modern/green buildings

Modern buildings should be designed to be environmentally friendly

They should use less energy and produce less waste

Modern insulation can make houses more energy-efficient

Solar and wind power can be used to generate electricity

Rainwater and waste water can be recycled and used to flush toilets.

Modern glass buildings take advantage if natural light