Throughout the ages it has always been possible to point to good

Host:
The room was filled with the soft glow of late afternoon sunlight, casting long shadows on the floor as it filtered through the blinds. Jack sat with a coffee mug in hand, staring at a blueprint scattered across the table, deep in thought. Jeeny sat across from him, flipping through a design book, though her focus was clearly on the conversation that was slowly unfolding between them.

Jeeny:
(She closes the book with a soft snap, her voice thoughtful but curious.)
“I read something by Grant Shapps today that caught my attention. He said, ‘Throughout the ages it has always been possible to point to good and bad architecture.’ It made me think about how we judge spaces, how we define what makes architecture good or bad. Do you think that’s true? Can we really pinpoint good and bad architecture, or is it all subjective?”

Jack:
(He glances up, his voice reflective, as he considers the question.)
“I think there’s always been a certain standard for what is considered good architecture, right? The structural integrity, functionality, aesthetic appeal — these are things that have been valued for centuries. But I do think there’s a level of subjectivity too. What one person finds beautiful or meaningful might be different from someone else’s perspective. That’s why it’s so interesting how architecture can shape a city or a culture, but also be something that’s interpreted in so many ways.”

Jeeny:
(She nods, her voice calm, almost pondering.)
“That’s the tension, isn’t it? Architecture has both universal principles — like functionality, safety, and aesthetic coherence — but also personal, cultural, and even emotional layers. Some buildings speak to the soul, while others simply serve a practical purpose. And over time, the buildings that resonate most with people are often those that bring together both. So, while we can certainly point to what’s considered “good” or “bad,” much of it depends on context and interpretation.”

Jack:
(He sits back, his voice slightly more engaged, a thought starting to form.)
“Yeah, I’ve always wondered how much architecture’s meaning changes over time. A building that might have been considered ‘bad’ in the past might later be seen as innovative, even iconic. Take something like the Eiffel Tower in Paris — when it was first built, people hated it, thought it was ugly and out of place. But now, it’s one of the most celebrated pieces of architecture in the world. Maybe what we call ‘good’ or ‘bad’ is constantly evolving with cultural and societal shifts.”

Jeeny:
(She leans forward, her voice slightly more impassioned, as if the conversation is sparking something deeper.)
“Exactly! What’s considered innovative or beautiful at one time may be judged differently later, and sometimes, buildings or designs grow into their significance over time. It’s the same with any art form. The value we place on architecture is constantly shifting, based on changing tastes, the needs of society, and even the experiences that certain buildings evoke. What might have seemed like bad design might later be seen as a reflection of the cultural values or a turning point in history.”

Jack:
(He nods, a thoughtful pause before he continues, his voice softer now.)
“And I guess that’s the beauty of architecture, in a way. It doesn’t just shape the way we interact with space — it shapes how we remember and experience a time, a place, or a community. Good or bad, the buildings we create say something about who we are in the moment.”

Jeeny:
(She smiles gently, her voice reassuring, almost as if providing a sense of closure to their conversation.)
“Exactly. Architecture, at its best, tells a story. It’s not just about the bricks and mortar, but about the ideas, the people, and the culture behind it. In the end, whether it’s ‘good’ or ‘bad’ is only part of the equation. The true value lies in how it connects to our lives, how it shapes our memories, and how it influences the way we see the world around us.”

Host:
The room falls into a comfortable silence, the weight of their conversation settling between them. Jack and Jeeny sit together, each contemplating the ever-evolving nature of architecture and how it intertwines with human experience. The world outside continues its rhythm, but inside, there is a shared understanding that architecture, while judged by certain standards, is ultimately shaped by time, culture, and the stories it holds. Whether it’s good or bad, it’s the stories that endure.