The ugly landmark

Original non-fiction-style practice text.

I have disliked the concrete sculpture in our square for twenty years. Its angles appear to be arguing, and none seems likely to win. When the council proposed removing it, I expected to feel pleased. Instead, I discovered that I gave directions by it, arranged meetings beside it and noticed its absence in the architect's replacement drawing.

This does not prove that the sculpture is beautiful. I resist the suggestion that familiarity has secretly improved my taste. It has done something different: given an awkward object a place in the shared grammar of the town. People who disagree about it can still say, 'By the terrible sculpture,' and know where to go.

Perhaps it should remain. I would prefer the council to ask that question before treating ugliness as the end of the discussion. My affection has arrived without my admiration, an inconvenient distinction for everyone who wants a simple vote.

Assess the writer’s attitude towards the square’s concrete sculpture. Use three details from the text to support your answer.