In this week's comments update, readers question whether illustrations of a country home designed by Charles Holland Architects have more style than substance.
Well drawn: readers unanimously loved the characterful drawings of a country house that Charles Holland Architects plans to construct in Kent, England, even if they didn't like the design.
"A more beautiful method of architectural presentation I have not seen in a long while," Giles Heather praised.
"Beautiful representation – love that Denise Scott Brown makes an appearance in the rear elevation too!" Russ_E_G noticed.
"Not too keen on this architecture, but the illustrations are gorgeous! I'd like to hang these in my home," Nicole D added.
She wasn't the only commenter to question the home's actual design: "Puzzling division of the kitchen into cooking and washing – first renovation will remove that wall," Brendan Finney mused.
Jean-Yves Rehby certainly wasn't impressed: "Suggested name for this house: One Paltry".
This reader summed up the project in just one word:
What do you think of the house? Join the discussion ›
Hard sell: Snøhetta has unveiled its updated plans for the overhaul of Philip Johnson's renowned AT&T building. There was a major backlash against the firm's initial scheme, and some readers still aren't happy second time around.
"This doesn't look like much more than new windows," stated HeywoodFloyd.
"This building (like nearly all of postmodernism) is not worth preservation and Snohetta should have backed away from the commission," concluded Archi.
Some commenters queried whether the renovation was needed at all.
"The patio on the Johnson building looks okay but let's leave the rest of the structure alone. It has stood on its own for many years and it works just fine," said Herbert Conlan.
Others were much more optimistic about Snøhetta's ideas: "Much improved! Sensitive and updated, and it only took landmarking the building to accomplish," commended Benny.
Rthko shared the sentiment:
What do you think of the proposal? Join the discussion ›
Hit snooze: designer Geoffrey Pascal has created a range of office furnishings that caters to people who prefer to work from home in their beds, but many readers weren't sure about the designs.
John McGrath initially tried to find a rational reason for the collection: "Most people who work in bed usually just don't have space for a desk because renting conditions are so bad".
But sarcastic comments continued to roll in: "Not sure I want to combine working with spinal decompression," said ED.
"Looks ergonomic and functional. Especially the blood that flows to your face when working on 'The Flying Man' must be very healthy. These sure beat working on a desk," quipped Miles Teg.
"Trying to imagine having a serious meeting here," added neko_ni_koban.
One reader got in early for the debate:
Would you want this furniture in your office? Join the discussion ›
Western front: Rem Koolhaas said that the west has to lose its "sense of superiority" towards countries like China, Russia and the Middle East to avoid missing out on crucial conversations about architecture – but not all readers were in agreement.
"Ultimately, architecture has a social responsibility to the people that uses it, don't just build it because you can or an authoritarian government lets you," argued ArchBoi92.
"This might appear to some as a justification for starchitects to construct – and greatly profit from – massive projects with autocratic states while avoiding criticism for collaboration, for complicity in their bosses' actions," pondered duckusucker.
However, some commenters felt that Koolhaas' views were a long time coming: "Britain is waking up? What a day, what a lovely day. At last! We're here, in the Middle East, and we're waiting since 1945," exclaimed Octavius.
"Rem has always been a strong, critical thinker that provokes. He appears to have lost none of his verve," added threefloatingorbs.
One reader concluded with this:
Do you agree with Koolhaas? Join the discussion ›