Plus covering up the plaster allows you to run HVAC and cables without breaking it

I recently saw a video where someone bought a house with an intricate ceiling like this and it turned out that it was made of styrofoam

This picture invites you to tell yourself a story about what happened, but it doesn't give you enough information to know what happened.

And this is the root problem of memes-as-news. Hell, half the time people here worked up over a 10 year old tweet. There are so many things that seem dumb or crazy without context, and then you provide a single kernel of explanation and people are fine.

Uhg.

Yep, needed to add ducts, plumbing, electric, etc and didn't want to fuck up the original work, or was just easier, or both. Also good for sound deadening and even lighting. This is the best move if you want to have the chance for someone to come by after you and do something with it when you're done with the space

while this is true, also, there was the 80s.... where families covered up gorgeous hard wood floors with linoleum and drop tile ceilings were considered cleaner. remember we're talking about people who wrapped their couches and recliners in plastic! and chain smoked lol

so who knows, it could be assholes, it could be cost.... I do wonder how easy it is to keep such an ornate ceiling clean / dusted.... but would probably give it a go :D

everyone would prefer the fancy ceiling

Some people think reliefs, Greek revival, Rococo, Baroque, etc. are ugly, polluting to make, more toxic and dangerous to clean, wasteful, and gaudy.