Text 1 For years, urban minimalists have criticized the ornamentation found on 19th-century buildings as "visual clutter." They argue that modern cities require sleek, unadorned facades to promote efficiency and clarity of thought. According to this view, the intricate stonework and decorative cornices of the past are merely aesthetic excesses that distract from the building’s function and should be replaced by streamlined, geometric designs that reflect the rationality of the digital age.

Text 2 Environmental psychologist Dr. Aris Thorne argues that the human brain evolved to process complex, fractal-like visual patterns found in nature—patterns often mimicked in historical architecture. Thorne suggests that the "sensory deprivation" caused by featureless, minimalist facades increases cortisol levels and induces anxiety in urban dwellers. Therefore, preserving and emulating the complexity of historical ornamentation is not about nostalgia, but about creating a built environment that supports psychological well-being.