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"Apple, that's how you build a circle"

Tadao Ando's concealment of a giant stone buddha within a ring-shaped mound was met with widespread acclaim from readers in this week's comments update.

Spiritual: Japanese architect Tadao Ando's The Hill of the Buddha at Japan's Makomanai Takino Cemetery certainly left an impression on Dezeen commenters this week, who lavished praise upon the lavender-covered project and its creator.

"This atheist just had a religious experience. Stunning job Mr Ando," wrote a converted Kevin McGrath.

Guest also recognized an effect: "Experiencing such architecture leaves you altered. Ando has never failed to impress."

Factor was excited to see something different from current trends: "So refreshing to see a really thoughtful, well put together piece of architecture – not some gimmick one-liner."

"Intimate and monumental at the same time. Beautiful!" added a dazzled Chejo.

This reader felt a certain tech company should be taking notes for the design of its new HQ:

Is this Tadao Ando's best project yet? Have your say in the comments section ›


Lonely island: Architect David Chipperfield's comments at the RIBA International Conference about the negative effects of the UK's increasing deregulation and potential isolation post-Brexit sparked a political debate amongst readers.

"Getting a bit tired of the constant procession of experts telling us how the UK will fail, I didn't vote to leave Europe, but it's happened, it's democracy in action and it has to be accepted," said Mark D.

"I'm a bit tired of the constant refrain that the decision is done and dusted and we just have to get on with it. There was a referendum and a little over half the population voted out," fired back Christiaan Bri.

H-J played devil's advocate: "The world is bigger than the EU, so I really don't think the UK has anything to worry about. Grenfell happened while the UK was still with us in the EU, so you could also argue that it happened because of the regulations."

"That argument can go both ways. If the spirit and implementation of EU-derived regulations allowed the Grenfell tragedy, then one can easily imagine what catastrophe(s) can emerge under even less regulation," responded HintOfBrain.

This reader was sticking to the pro-Brexit script with their comment:

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Walking stick by Shiro Studio

Helping hand: The world's first fully 3D-printed walking stick, designed by Shiro Studio to remove any stigma around mobility aids, raised questions among commenters.

"I take issue with the premise that there's a stigma using a mobility aid. I've never been made to feel that I should be ashamed of my need for an aid. And if that is the case, how does this 3D printed version remove such a stigma?" asked an irritated Egad.

"I'm quite sure they are talking about the stigma of ugly sticks, not ability. I think it's beautiful and elegant, I'd be proud to use it, which I guess is the point," countered Lilly, aligning herself with the views of the designers.

Frederick Fasola felt the wool was being pulled over his eyes: "Nice object, but why feel the need to use the '3D printed' buzzword? Let's face it, the cane would probably be a lot easier to manufacture in a traditional way."

One reader felt the walking stick was just missing that final something:

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Oz Residence by Stanley Saitowitz

Encompassing: A minimal Californian residence inspired by the iPhone's seamlessness by Natoma Architects raised the eyebrows of most readers but was not without fans.

Ralph Kent couldn't get behind the design but appreciated the attention to detail: "The sad thing is that someone will probably have killed themselves to detail this so immaculately, only for the end result to be so sterile, corporate and absent of delight."

But Josh heaped praise on its style: "Just me that finds this to be utterly staggering then? It's my usual bag but it is exquisitely executed. I for one would swap."

This reader made a sharp, if not cutting observation:

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