GMAT考试写作指导：Issue写作范文十六

　　16. The extent to which new public buildings reflect societal values and attitudes

　　depends on whether one considers a buildings intended function or its design. In the

　　former sense, new public buildings do mirror society, while in the latter sense they do

　　not.

　　The intended uses of new public buildings say something about our priorities and

　　values as a society. For example, proliferation of public cultural centers and schools

　　reflects a societal concern for the arts and education, respectively, while new prison

　　construction indicates a heightened concern for safety and security.

　　The design of new public buildings, however, fails to mirror society, for two

　　reasons. First, modern democratic states do not have the luxury of making cultural

　　statements at any expense. Functionality and fiscal accountability dictate the face of

　　public architecture today. Second, public participation in the process is limited. New

　　buildings typically reflect the architects eccentric vision or the preference of a few

　　public officials, not the populaces values and attitudes. In England, for example, Prince

　　Charles oversees and approves the design of new public buildings. The resulting

　　conventional designs suggest his unwillingness to break from tradition. Yet it would

　　seem unfair to assign his lack of vision to English society. In Denver, the controversial

　　design of a new airport met with public outcry for its appearance, expense, and lack of

　　functionality. Does the airport reflect the values of Denvers denizens? Probably not.

　　in conclusion, while modern public buildings seem to reflect the values and

　　attitudes of a society in their function, they do not necessarily do so in their design.