IELTS Speaking Part 3: Old Buildings and Modern Architecture (Band 8.0)

We've been talking about an old building you like.

Now I'd like to ask you some more general questions.

Sure. I'm looking forward to it!

Why do you think people value old buildings?

Mainly because they connect us to the past.

Walking down an old street, you feel part of history.

They also give a city its own character,

whereas glass towers look the same everywhere!

Should governments spend money preserving historic buildings?

On the whole, I'd say yes.

Once they're gone, they can never be replaced,

and tourism often pays back the investment.

That said, if a city were to protect every old building,

there'd be no space left for affordable housing.

What do you think of modern architecture?

Honestly, it's a mixed bag.

Some new buildings are stunning, but others are just glass boxes!

What frustrates me is that so many are designed purely for profit.

The best ones, though, put people first,

and you can feel that the moment you walk in.

How has the design of homes changed in recent decades?

It's widely thought that homes have become smaller,

and in big cities, that's certainly true.

Open-plan living has also become far more popular.

My parents' generation had separate kitchens,

while we tend to cook, eat and relax in one space.

Will cities look very different in fifty years?

Almost certainly, and climate change will be the main reason!

We'll probably see far more green roofs,

since they help keep buildings cool.

Had cities planned for heat earlier, they'd be much cooler today.

The more we build with nature, the healthier our cities will be.

Is it better to renovate old buildings or build new ones?

It depends, but I'd generally favour renovation.

Demolishing a building releases a huge amount of carbon,

so reusing it is often the greener option.

My hometown's old warehouse is a perfect example of that.

Thank you. That's the end of the speaking test.

Thank you. I really enjoyed our discussion!