All around the world, we see beautiful architecture. Some of it is as wonderful as it is old. But just because something is historic doesn’t guarantee it’s of meritorious design … or even a quality example of a particular period or style.

Sometimes we get caught up in nostalgia — some kind of deference for the “original” — particularly when it comes to architecture. As though all of the architects, designers, and craftspeople from decades and centuries ago ... were somehow infallible.

While time and historical context may indeed add value, let’s not equate “historic” with excellence in design. Sometimes, it’s just not so.

The concept can be extended further, of course … to laws, policies, educational systems, and political agendas. With these examples, it’s pretty clear: poor design can occur at any point in history, and some of it ends up sticking around for a long time.