The structure of a building not only determines the appearance and feeling of it, it also influences the behaviour of people within it, their sense of well-being, or their lack of it. Ill-considered architecture and design can aggravate social tensions, depression and boredom. As a financial asset, buildings have to be readily marketable. Funding cannot be easily be obtained from financial institutions for innovative projects because of the increased element of risk. With high land costs and rising interest rates, the developer wants to get construction, especially housing, completed and sold as quickly as possible. The more uncontroversial their appearance, the speedier the planning authorization is obtained. The trend to conformity is also influenced by the conservatism and lack of architectural sophistication of the general public. People like what they are familiar with. Public greed also has a role in that houses are increasingly a commodity to be traded. Judgements on their appearance, efficiency and comfort are secondary to their potential secondhand value. Pride in good design is not a primary concern.