This is the equivalent to "why does modern music suck" (said by every generation of the next generation's music)

Scott Alexander posted something similar

https://astralcodexten.substack.com/p/whither-tartaria

And the response he got was arguably predictable..., others didn't agree that modern architecture is ugly.

Sure there are some ugly buildings. But, for example, for me. I went to some 1929 building that I'm sure this author and Scott would find beautiful

https://www.450sutter.com/

And it is. But it's arguably NOT functional. On the 25th floor the view would be incredible but the windows are tiny and so unless you walk directly up to the window you can't see the view. In pretty much any modern building the view would be front and center, full floor to ceiling, wall to wall windows.

I prefer that modern style. check out an old museum and a modern one. The modern one will have all kinds of amazing affordances. Places decided to highlight the view, places decide to give a sense of space, places designed for eating in unique space.

I'd much rather go to one of these

https://design-milk.com/10-modern-museums-youll-definitely-w...

Than one of these

https://artsandculture.google.com/story/the-oldest-museums-a...

Even if the contents was the same.