Comments update:Â angry readers took to Dezeen's comments section this week after we reported on the Kardashians' penchant for Modernist architecture, but could exposure to wider audiences actually be a good thing for the profession?
Le Korbusier: reality stars the Kardashians revealed their fondness for the work of Le Corbusier by discussing a book featuring his projects on their TV show – although family matriarch Kris Jenner accidentally called the architect "Le Courvoisier".
The story irritated some readers. "The quality of articles on [Dezeen] really is getting worse by the day," said an angry Jordan, while Dikkie encouraged us to "focus on interesting people" worthy of attention.
But others felt it was relevant for architects. "The Kardashians are a barometer of popular culture and taste, for better or for worse," wrote commenter HintOfBrain. "It really should get the attention of American architects, as they are rarely paid attention to otherwise." Read the comments on this story »
Building high:Â reports that North Korea was giving construction workers crystal meth to speed up progress on a skyscraper in Pyongyang quickly became one of this week's most-discussed stories.
"I can't even begin to imagine how many deaths related to work negligence take place on these construction sites," wrote Brennan Murray, but a guest commenter criticised the reports for being "anti-North Korea propaganda" and lacking in substance.
Not everybody took the story quite so seriously. "My builder is probably on weed," joked Seb. "Takes ages, and munches a lot of biscuits." Read the comments on this story »
Rendered useless? Readers slammed Peter Zumthor's design for the new Los Angeles County Museum of Art this week after the Swiss architect revealed new renderings of the controversial project.
"Bad renderings coupled with the substantial increase in scale with respect to the rest of Zumthor's built work seems to point towards some sort of disaster on the horizon," said Heywood Floyd. "I hope I'm wrong."
"It ignores every basic rule of good urban design," added John Delaney. "What's shocking is the lack of critical outcry because many see him as 'the architect's architect'."
HJ cautioned against judging the project too soon: "Zumthor's work is very difficult to grasp in renders to begin with, so to judge the project solely on these images is a bit premature in my opinion." Read the comments on this story »
Money talks: San Francisco-based Avava Systems created a prefabricated micro dwelling with components that can be shipped in flat-packed boxes. But readers were bewildered by the structure's $117,000 to $223,000 (£89,800 to £171,200) price tag.
"If you have that kind of money you might as well buy a bigger place," wrote guest commenter EFS.
"Total waste of landscaping and ya gotta squat in the lavatory sink to take a shower," added Jess Thinkin.
Avava Systems was quick to respond to concerns. "The price listed here includes installation, utility connections and permitting services here in the Bay Area," said Benjamin, one of Avava's partners. "The Bay Area has very high rates for these services and the actual cost of the home without these is in the $60k to $95k range". Read the comments on this story »