> A pretty building gives me ~0 ROI. > > Spending an extra 1 million on marketing gives me a far better ROI. In many cases a pretty building can be marketing.

> A pretty building gives me ~0 ROI. > > Spending an extra 1 million on marketing gives me a far better ROI. In many cases a pretty building can be marketing. There are also many intangible effects such as the moral of people who work in said building. Also like OP said pretty buildings are often cheaper over long term because people don't want to tear them down as often. Just because it's harder to calculate/measure ROI doesn't make it non-existent. > These are basically 0 sum, you want a dishwasher or a pretty overhang? No one is suggesting to forgo basic amenities for ornamentation?