( ii )       The Montparnasse Tower, a 59-story glass skyscraper in Paris, has faced widespread criticism sinceits construction in 1973. Many Parisians consider it an eyesore in the city's __(16)__ architecturallyharmonious skyline. This negative sentiment is not surprising, as Parisians have historically resistedsignificant alterations to the city's appearance, a sentiment shared by the Eiffel Tower and the glasspyramids at the Louvre Museum, which were initially met with similar criticism but eventually accepted.       Although approaching its 50th anniversary, the tower continues to be despised by a significantportion of the population. To understand this animosity, we must explore in depth the history of Paris'surban development. The city's layout and architectural style trace back to the mid-19th century __(17)__Baron Haussmann was commissioned to transform the overcrowded and unsanitary city into a modernmetropolis. Haussmann demolished old structures, introduced wide avenues, and implemented uniformHaussmannian apartment buildings, defining the aesthetic of Paris.       Almost a century later, Paris faced another __(18)__ after World War II. The post-war era presentedan opportunity for modernization, including the construction of highways and skyscrapers, similar todevelopments in the United States and the United Kingdom. Montparnasse, located in southern Paris, wasselected for a large-scale urban renewal project. While some architects and developers were enthusiasticabout the modernization plans, public opinion turned against the tower due to its height and the starkcontrast it created with the surrounding low-rise buildings.       Despite the backlash, the project proceeded, and the tower was inaugurated in 1973. Over the years,it has housed notable figures, including several French presidents. However, it has remained widelyunpopular, __(19)__ constructing buildings taller than 37 meters in Paris in 1977. Skyscrapers wereconfined to the La Defense business district and suburban areas until height restrictions were relaxed in2010.        The negative perception of the Montparnasse Tower has endured, with some even __(20)__ itsdemolition. The ongoing debate surrounding tall buildings in Paris prompted the city government toreintroduce height restrictions as part of its efforts to combat climate change. Nevertheless, plans for theTriangle Tower, a new skyscraper in Paris, raise questions about whether it will encounter similaropposition. In summary, the Montparnasse Tower's unpopularity in Paris stems from its departure fromthe city's architectural uniformity, historical resistance to major changes, and the jarring contrast it createswith the surrounding low-rise buildings. The tower remains a subject of contention, reflecting the ongoingdebate about the role of tall buildings in shaping the city's identity.
【題組】16.
(A) likewise
(B) otherwise
(C) unlikely
(D) whatsoever