While some believe that the architectural style of older houses in local areas should serve as the main guideline for newly constructed houses, others argue that personal freedom is a more important consideration. In my opinion, people should be allowed to style their houses however they want because they have paid for them.
Firstly, the requirement to follow existing architectural styles can help preserve the cultural identity of local areas. This can be seen in Kajoetangan, a historic neighborhood located in downtown Malang. Many people may assume that city centers should be filled with high-rise apartments and futuristic infrastructure. However, this neighborhood has maintained its early 20th-century European colonial architecture. If newcomers are allowed to construct houses with completely different modern designs, they may slowly change the unique identity of the area. As a result, future generations may no longer be able to experience the historical value that this neighborhood has preserved for many years.
However, I strongly believe that people have the right to decide the architectural style of their own houses because they have invested their own money in them. We are often not aware of the sacrifices these individuals have made before signing the contract for their properties; for instance, they may have taken out huge loans or had to juggle two or three jobs at the same time to afford their homes. Besides, it is much more rewarding and fulfilling for them to see their hard work pay off in a physical way, allowing them to enjoy the results of their efforts or pass them on to younger family members. That being said, such a restriction is not justified.
To conclude, even though old house designs are recommended for new constructions because of their role in preserving cultural identity in local areas, they should not take precedence over individuals’ personal freedom because homeowners have poured significant financial resources into building homes they can take pride in.