In this week's comments update, readers are touched by Rael San Fratello's idea to install seesaws on the US-Mexico border wall.
Ups and downs: readers are delighted after architectural studio Rael San Fratello installed seesaws on the US-Mexico border wall so children on either side can play together.
"Simply wonderful," said il Davide. "We need more of this plus a broader color palette. Wouldn't it be amazing to have a rainbow of seesaws all along the US/Mexican border wall? Somebody start a GoFundMe page."
"Very very sweet," agreed Duelist. "We need more of this and less venom."
Lek shared the sentiment: "Playmates without a border, that's what it seems. Kudos to the designer who thought of this."
Heywood Floyd did have one concern though: "Lovely, but doesn't this backhandedly validate the wall?"
One commenter suggested the seesaws have a different purpose to playing:
What do you think of the seesaws? Join the discussion ›
More is more: Royal College of Art graduate Karoline Vitto caused a stir with her collection of clothing designed to accentuate the curves and rolls of the female body.
"What a great, liberating project," said Aaron. "Now queue all the comments from the boorish old misogynists and sexually repressed young-male architects."
"Liberating? Looks more like bondage!" replied Doug Lough.
Yethica continued: "The clothing here looks horrendously uncomfortable, though I'm down with what the designer is trying to do."
"Those garments can't be comfortable," agreed Chris Becket.
One reader had a technical question:
Would you wear the garments? Join the discussion ›
For fjords' sake: Hayri Atak Architectural Design Studio has designed a concept for a hotel within a cliff edge in Norway, much to the dismay of readers.
"To paraphrase Jurassic Park's hunky mathematician, Ian Malcolm, 'Your designers were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn’t stop to think if they should'," said James.
Doug Lough felt similarly: "Another pristine setting ruined so that nine people can swim in the air."
"It boggles the mind that anyone would find this to be a good idea," agreed Felix DeSelby. "It will never happen as Preikestolen is a treasured piece of nature and very much a protected piece of landscape and public space."
Mauricio Miranda-Alvarez concluded: "Leave those fjords alone! Natural beauty should be off-limits to intervention."
This commenter had a suggestion:
Should the fjords be left alone? Join the discussion ›
Excitement contained: readers aren't convinced by Fraser Brown MacKenna Architects' plans to build a development of micro homes made from shipping containers.
"Why use shipping containers, which are purpose made for shipping goods around the world, not for converting to houses?" asked Alfred Hitchcock. "'Solutions' like this are just a race to the bottom."
Z-Dog elaborated: "I would love to know how the architect is tackling the paint that is applied to shipping containers, which often has toxic elements to protect from seawater corrosion. Maybe it's time to let shipping containers do what they do best – go on ships."
"It's just a one floor building. It's more friendly to the environment to build higher, " added BBOB.
Mo Ra was more positive: "I think the micro homes are an excellent idea."
This reader was also keen:
Are shipping containers a solution for the housing crisis? Join the discussion ›