Comments update: following the unveiling of Frank Gehry's proposed development for Los Angeles, readers are suggesting reasons behind the city's recent cultural transformation. Read on for more on this and explore our comments page to keep up to date with the latest discussions.
Hollywood heights: high-profile projects in LA such as the Broad Museum by Diller Scofidio + Renfro, MAD's hilltop village for Beverley Hills and Frank Gehry's Sunset Boulevard development are indicative of a broad cultural, economic and technological shift in America, according to commenters.
"LA's architectural boom is a result of cheap spaces for creatives and the Uber taxi service," said Linda. "Having a cheap, clean and efficient way of getting around a huge American city opens it up in a way previously unthinkable."
"The question is whether projects such as this one by Gehry will sow the seeds for regeneration that quickly prices people it currently serves out of the market," she added.
"LA is America's new land of opportunity," agreed Fabio. "As Rohan Silva warned recently, London should take note too; it's a matter of time before the city's creatives identify a new place in the UK to flock to."
However, many expressed doubts. "Gehry does exactly the same stuff again and again, and then infuses it with loads of intellectual garbage to make it sound the most creative thing on this earth," argued one commenter. Read the comments on this story »
Logo woe: readers are questioning whether Japan is capable of hosting the Olympics in 2020 after it withdrew the design for the event's logo following allegations of plagiarism.
"It's starting to look as though Japan cannot organise a major event," said James. "Weak, reactionary decisions."
"All these Tokyo 2020 scrapping sagas are becoming a joke now," added another reader making reference to the country's decision to ditch Zaha Hadid's stadium design for the sporting event. "Perhaps they will scrap themselves as host eventually."
Others instantly called for a design competition to be opened to the public.
"I hope that regular citizens will be able to submit designs and vote on the logo they want," said Nunuo. Read the comments on this story »
Stadium saga: Zaha Hadid Architects added to the controversy surrounding the Tokyo 2020 Olympics by releasing a video detailing its discarded stadium design in a campaign to get it reinstated. But will it work?
"I doubt that humiliating the organising committee is going to win them over," wrote Richard Montena. "They are looking for some face-saving."
"I think they should try Kickstarter," quipped another anonymous commenter.
"This video makes a strong case for architecture and design in general," concluded Okura. "It is a thorough response in which ZHA presents its design in much more in depth than any previous press releases." Read the comments on this story »
Architecture for humanity: Cameron Sinclair spoke to Dezeen exclusively about his work in Syria and the need for architects to get involved in humanitarian projects, which triggered a debate about the morals of designing for the wealthiest in society.
"I really hate this kind of architect that would dare to set themselves above other architects based on the work that they do," wrote one guest commenter.
"All too often designers and architects design for people's wants, not their needs," retorted Bobby. "Focusing our trade to do good is a beautiful thing."
"Architecture is not the Red Cross!" argued another reader. "It is of course for the people, but there is much more to it than just providing shelter." Read the comments on this story »