i’d probably be the first to admit that nothing lasts forever, but it still saddens me when a piece of history falls from sight or due to shortsightedness. i suppose one can find merit in preserving almost everything (god knows i don’t) but these merits are notably more emotive for me. from an architectural perspective i understand the use and disuse of buildings very well. i also understand the limits of reconditioning and re-appropriation, but i also understand the debt to history and the responsibility to the future. whether the debate was properly resolved or not, the demolition of kasteel van mesen (1628-2010) in lede, belgium touched more than just me. i grew up in a country where our architectural heritage dates back mostly to late seventeenth century at a stretch and the eighteenth century but what survived is more nineteenth century and later, therefore i might be slightly biased about preserving anything as old as this kasteel. my sentimentalism probably spouts from my displaced european ancestry and the fact that i believe the charm and historical identity of cities are often built on these preservation ethics, i also suspect the pride of the citizens are firmly connected to it. i understand most of them that are surrounded or even living in such historical structures may take it for granted and some perhaps even prefer a more modern and convenient infrastructure, but it is this illusion of permanence, pride in place and respect for ‘that which has been before’ that becomes the price to pay for progress. it is the selfish romantic in me which still believes that we may all hope hearing that we are not just spirits disappearing…