Model Answer 1: [Agreement]

Buildings have both structural and functional purposes but which one is more important - the structure or the function of a building is debatable. Some people opine that a building should primarily fulfil its utilitarian purposes rather than look artistic. I agree with this opinion as I believe that in the modern age, serving practical purposes is far more important for a building than being appealing in appearance.

To commence with, the world is already facing a scarcity of housing, and affordable accommodation is a distant dream for many. Thus, the need for living, shopping and doing community activities has become far more important than erecting buildings to make a neighbourhood look stunning. For instance, modern cities like New York or Hongkong need more multipurpose skyscrapers to accommodate the increasing population and check the soaring housing prices while also serving people's practical needs. If the city planners and architects in those modern cities intend on constructing buildings that resemble medieval European architecture to enhance the impression of their neighbourhoods, they would soon regret their decisions.

Moreover, futuristic vertical city concepts will become the norm in the near future in most cities. Those vertical cities will house lengthy skyscrapers and accommodate thousands of apartments, shopping centres, schools, parks, offices, and so on in a single building. The design would focus on serving practical purposes rather than being aesthetically appealing. This is why modern architects should adapt to these futuristic but practical needs rather than producing works of art when they plan and design buildings for modern cities. If they keep planning for visual appeals, they would fail to remain mainstream.

In conclusion, in a modern world where the population is staggeringly high and the demand for affordable housing is not met, designing and constructing buildings that serve practical and functional purposes are far more important for architects and designers. They should, therefore, prioritise functionality above the grandeur of these constructions. 

[ Written by - Sana Rehman ]

Model Answer 2: [Disagreement]

The purpose and aesthetics of buildings have long been debated in architectural circles. Some believe that functionality of a building should always outweigh beauty. This essay will disagree with the opinion by highlighting the importance of a building's purpose as well as aesthetics and argue that architects should strive to create structures that harmoniously balance both aspects.

To begin with, the functionality of a building is important, but the design and visual appeal are no less essential. The primary purpose of any construction may be to fulfil a specific function, whether it is a residential space, office complex, or educational institution, but if it looks ugly, it becomes the eye soar in an area inviting criticism. While functionality ensures that the building serves the needs of its occupants efficiently and effectively, the appealing looks make it more demanding to tenants and visitors. For instance, a school must prioritise functionality to facilitate students' all-rounded educational needs while also being captivating to offer a conducive educational environment.

While functionality is essential, aesthetics play a crucial role in creating inspiring and memorable spaces. Aesthetically pleasing buildings contribute to the cultural identity of a place and can uplift the spirits of those who encounter them. For example, iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower in Paris or the Sydney Opera House are not only functional but also celebrated as symbols of architectural beauty and national pride. Therefore, the most successful architectural designs are those that seamlessly integrate form and function. Architects should not view functionality and aesthetics as mutually exclusive, but rather as complementary aspects of the design process. For instance, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai is not only the world's tallest building but also an architectural masterpiece that blends functionality with elegant aesthetics.

From the discussion, we can conclude that it is erroneous to claim that a building's purpose is more critical than its aesthetics. A successful architectural design should achieve a harmonious balance between functionality and beauty. Buildings that serve their intended purposes while also embodying artistic expression not only meet the practical needs of society but also inspire and enrich the lives of people who experience them.