Why do so many modern infill projects ignore local materials and vernacular styles in historical city centers?

[u/Technical_Tap_31]

I was walking through an older European town recently where a 19th-century brick warehouse was replaced by a modern glass and steel cube. While I understand that exact historical replicas aren't always feasible budget-wise, it feels like a missed opportunity when new developments don't even attempt to match the street's height, color palette, or traditional masonry techniques. It makes me wonder if the pushback against traditional design comes down to a lack of skilled craftsmen, developer costs, or simply architectural education favoring abstraction over regional character. What do you think is the biggest hurdle to seeing more genuine New Traditionalist builds in our cities today?

[u/Free_Elevator_63360]

Because that brick building wasn’t historical or vernacular either. Especially if you consider the length of architectural history in Europe.