Final answer:
Today's castles are more convenient and comfortable due to technological advancements that provide modern amenities such as central heating, modern plumbing, and electricity. Historical defensive features have been retrofitted for modern luxury. The combination of mass-produced goods and utilities has transformed these once purely defensive structures into desirable living spaces.
Step-by-step explanation:
Castles today are more convenient and comfortable places to live in because of several advancements in building technologies and amenities over time. Originally, castles were built for defense, with features prioritizing security over comfort. In the past, housing was perfected with the development of multi-level buildings where extended families lived in tight quarters, often with shared community bathrooms. Work was also commonly done from home, providing additional income for the family.
Technological advancements have transformed existing structures to better suit modern living standards. Homes have evolved from simple protective dwellings into complexes equipped with running water, gas, and electricity. People who became prosperous often replaced their traditional homes with ones featuring imported materials, despite local methods sometimes being better suited for the climate. Today's castles, therefore, have seen significant improvements such as central heating, modern plumbing, and the integration of technology that make them more comfortable than their historical counterparts.
The aspect of housing evolution is evident in the transition from tents to stone houses in many static communities, with designs adapting to social structures and roles. Additionally, palatial designs have evolved, with defensive characteristics being less necessary due to changes in political landscapes and military technology, as seen in the use of cannon requiring earthen banks and star-shaped fortifications for protection. Castles that remain today often retrofit these historical defense features for modern luxury and comfort. These modifications rely on a combination of mass-produced goods and utilities that were not available in the past, but now greatly enhance the living experience within historical structures.