Rome has not seen a modern building in more than half a century.

Host: The room feels timeless, the soft glow of the evening light filtering through the window and casting long, gentle shadows on the walls. The hum of the city outside is faint, almost distant, as if the world is slowing down for a moment. Jack and Jeeny sit across from each other, the weight of their conversation drifting between them like the steady rhythm of the city beyond the glass.

Jack: “Richard Meier said, ‘Rome has not seen a modern building in more than half a century. It is a city frozen in time.’” He says the words slowly, almost reflecting on their weight. “It’s such a striking image, isn’t it? A city that’s so steeped in history that nothing new can emerge without disrupting what already exists. But it makes me wonder… is that a good thing? Or is it a kind of cultural stagnation?” He leans back, his tone thoughtful, as if considering both sides of the argument. “Should cities like Rome evolve, or does the preservation of history make them stronger?”

Jeeny: Her eyes are steady as she listens, the quiet wisdom in her voice carrying a sense of understanding. “It’s a tough balance, isn’t it? On the one hand, you have history, tradition, and identity. Rome is a living monument to the past. You can’t just build over that, because that’s what makes it unique, what makes it a place people want to experience. But on the other hand, there’s the need to grow, to adapt. No city can stay completely frozen in time without losing something — the vibrancy, the energy, the chance to evolve with the people who live there.” She pauses, considering the implications. “It’s not about ignoring the past, but about finding a way to weave the old and the new together.”

Jack: “I see your point. But I think there’s also a risk in trying to modernize a city like that. The very essence of it — the ancient stones, the historic architecture — becomes diluted if you try to force new buildings into a landscape that wasn’t designed for them.” His voice softens, as though the conflict between tradition and progress is a question he’s still grappling with. “Could the soul of the city be lost in the name of progress?”

Jeeny: “I think that’s the delicate line that cities like Rome walk. The soul of the city isn’t just in the buildings, though. It’s in the community, in how people interact with the space around them. There’s a deep connection between the past and present, and I think that’s what makes a city alive. So, while a new building may stand in contrast to the ancient structures, it’s not the building itself but the way it’s integrated into the city’s fabric that matters. Does it respect the past while also adding something new, something that speaks to today’s culture?”

Jack: “So, you’re saying that it’s not the new building itself that’s problematic, but the approach to it? It’s about respecting the existing identity and culture, while still allowing for growth and change?” He nods slowly, as though the idea is clicking into place. “I guess when you think about it that way, it’s not really about freezing time. It’s about preserving what makes a city unique, while still creating space for it to evolve, to reflect the world around it.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. A city, like Rome, has layers. And each layer — each new addition — tells a story. You can’t erase the past, but you can build upon it in a way that makes sense for the people who live there now. The trick is to balance honoring the past while embracing the future.” She smiles gently, her eyes reflecting a quiet certainty. “Rome may be frozen in time in some ways, but that doesn’t mean it can’t grow and adapt, as long as it doesn’t lose what makes it special.”

Jack: “That’s a good way to put it. Rome doesn’t have to change everything to remain relevant; it just has to stay true to its identity while letting the future slowly make its mark.” He looks out the window, the thought settling deeper. “Maybe that’s the key — finding the balance between preservation and progress. Not erasing the past, but letting the present and future shape how we experience it.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. Every new era adds its own chapter to a city’s story. It’s about making sure those chapters complement each other, rather than compete.” Her smile deepens as she watches him, a sense of understanding passing between them. “Cities, like people, evolve. But the best evolution doesn’t mean completely turning away from where we came from. It means integrating the old and the new in ways that make sense for who we are today.”

Host: The room feels lighter now, a sense of quiet clarity settling between them. Jack and Jeeny have uncovered something deeper: that the challenge of blending tradition and progress isn’t about creating conflict, but about understanding the delicate balance between honoring the past and embracing the future. As the world outside continues its rhythm, Jack and Jeeny sit in the quiet realization that change, when done thoughtfully and with respect, can only enrich a place’s identity. A city like Rome, full of history, is not meant to be frozen in time, but to live, evolve, and grow in harmony with its past.

Jack: “Maybe we’re all a bit like Rome. We hold onto the past, but we also have to make room for growth, for the changes that help us keep moving forward. It’s about staying true to who we are while still making space for the future.” His voice is softer now, more reflective. “That’s the challenge — and the beauty — of it.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. It’s not about holding on to the past or pushing everything new away. It’s about honoring both and finding a way to let them coexist.” She smiles, her voice full of quiet wisdom. “That’s what makes us whole.”

Host: The room is still, filled with the weight of their shared understanding. The outside world continues, unaware of the small shift that has just happened between Jack and Jeeny. As they sit in the quiet, they realize that the true art of growth — whether in cities, in people, or in cultures — is about blending the old with the new, and finding ways to let both speak to each other, rather than erase the other.