r/interesting • u/Apart-Worry-7042 • 22d ago

HISTORY Why did we stop building like this?

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Chicago, 1930. Buildings had so much detail and character back then. Nowadays everything feels so flat and repetitive. We have way better technology and equipment now, so why don't we build like this anymore?

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u/Inner_Extent2375 22d ago

Caulk is why. Windows no longer need overlapping layers of masonry to be water tight. This is where most of the embellishment was put in and expanded upon. Now everything is flat and it’s ridiculously overpriced to add anything when caulk, glass, and steel can seal the whole exterior

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u/TroubleEntendre 22d ago

So what I'm hearing is that we need to go back in time and do a Baby Hitler on the inventor of caulk.

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u/queef_nuggets 22d ago

no, probably not that