Let’s talk about the most important part—flooring. Starting with mosaic, we’ve now moved to vitrified tiles, Italian tiles, and so on. Now, we’re being told these tiles are harsh on your feet, and by extension, bad for your back too. Those who’ve experienced the cool, welcoming embrace of ordinary cement floors, or even better, red oxide floors, know the difference. We could sleep on the floor back then—so cozy it was.

And then there’s the kitchen. In the old days, the cupboards were all open, allowing plenty of air and sunlight to pass through. Now we live in the age of "concealment culture." Only the stylish and presentable crockery sets are displayed behind glass shelves. All other vessels and containers hide away in drawers and cabinets. The buzzword is "." What used to be within easy reach now requires drawers to be pulled out, shelves maneuvered, and sometimes even a bit of gymnastics to get what you need. Why all this trouble?

In India, we were used to having a separate washbasin outside, along with separate bathrooms and toilets. Three people could use three different spaces simultaneously. Now, it's all-in-one. Maybe a little bigger than an airplane bathroom, but still cramped. We older folks have had to adjust our mindset to showering in a room where the toilet is right there. All your morning chores now happen in the same matchbox-sized space.

I recently spoke to an architect/engineer, and he told me he’s opting for pile foundations these days. “Absolutely strong and safe,” he said. For now, maybe. But it’s also much more expensive. Can we get something that’s good enough for fifty years without breaking the bank?

This doesn’t mean that new technology or equipment is entirely bad. Modern houses are being constructed with better airflow and energy efficiency. They look stylish. For instance, we now have a grand and attractive pergola. Its use? Practically none, but it looks good. We get stain-free materials. Exhaust systems are set up in the kitchen. Rooms are designed to be compact but functional. Combined bathrooms and toilets have their advantages. The amount of wiring required for electricity has substantially reduced. Earlier, you’d see wires and sleeves running all over the walls. Now, we have circuit breakers that ensure safety during malfunctions. Energy-efficient equipment is more common. The floors are easier to maintain, and there’s a variety of materials to suit different budgets.

Modern houses are undoubtedly more earthquake resistant. And for compensating weak walls, we now have security cameras. So, the question remains: can we merge the two systems—the best of old-world construction with the benefits of modern advancements?

Continued in 178. Gaps In The Horizon - Part 6