Where I’m from (Kuwait) we don’t have any building code that defines or limits what can be done with a home or building’s facade and to be honest the clash of tastes is really visible and bothersome to see even when walking in my own neighborhood. However, this summer I travelled to Oman where such a code exists to limit out of place color palettes and facade shapes, so the houses are actually beautiful to look at with the mountain range in the background. Even those buildings near the coast have a separate set of codes and the place is certainly appealing to see and walk through.
Of course, sometimes there is a need for iconic structures and buildings, and there is a place for that, but I believe it is a matter of delicate balance and therefore should be codified as to not ruin the horizon. And thats why I kind of agree with the quoted statement.
Why write this garbage?
Architecture is to please those who pay for it. The end.
There's ugly buildings out there, but as long as someone wanted that, who am I to say that they shouldn't have built it? As long as it isn't the government paying for it, I shouldn't get a say. But if it is the government paying for it -one I pay taxes to anyways- then I do get a say.