In this week's comments update, readers are annoyed after architect Bjarke Ingels met with the president of Brazil to work on a tourism masterplan for the country.
Bjarke to the future: readers are angry after Danish architect Bjarke Ingels met with Brazil's president Jair Bolsonaro to discuss developing a tourism masterplan for the northeast region of the country.
"Yeah cause a Danish architect knows exactly how to deal with beaches and the social background of our country," said Edson Maruyama. "We have great architects and urbanists here in the country, it should be a shame for a 'nationalist' president to invite him for this discussion."
Jerome Rajah agreed: "I don't agree with the choice to hold discussions with Ingels when there are tens of thousands of Brazilian architects and urban planners who, among other professionals, are qualified to partake in the same conversation. They understand the context of the country, its needs and disparities."
"Glad to still see starcitects clamouring to work with corrupt governments," added WYRIWYG. "As long as the fees are high enough."
Kasimir felt similarly: "No morals, no shame."
This reader also felt Ingels was for sale:
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Box clever: Muji has delighted readers with its design for a prefabricated home called Yō no Ie, but there are some suggestions for improvements.
"Very pleasant open plan and finishes," praised DL77SEA. "But while I can appreciate keeping the bathroom separate from the toilet room, a hand-washing sink near, adjacent or in the toilet room would be convenient. Also, laundry? Water heater?"
Jonathan HB continued: "No roof lights, no solar panels, a garden room for £120k... seriously? Looks nice enough though."
"While I agree with your points," replied Ivan. "It doesn't look like one of those shoeboxes that we have become accustomed to. Especially the size of the patio. For £120k, it's pretty decent size."
Jam simply said: "Muji for life."
This reader wanted their own Yō no Ie:
Would you live in Muji's prefabricated home? Join the discussion ›
Signature style: some commenters are unsure why fashion designer Virgil Abloh, who has created a graffiti-covered furniture collection for Paris studio Galerie Kreo, is so popular.
"It’s just the emperor's new clothes," said Ham Respinger. "Take away his name and what are you left with? Sub-par graff in a gallery setting. And, err, that’s it. Pretty much the definition of phoning it in."
Fabian K-Z shared the sentiment: "His success is everything that is wrong with the design world nowadays."
"At least the tags are accurate to 'street culture'," added Martin Lew. "They're as bad, or worse than 99 per cent of graffiti that you see in cities."
Salamon was also underwhelmed: "We can see that in these times, with the right lingo and social media tactics, you can make art or fashion even from the biggest trash."
This reader thinks he knows the answer:
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White noise: a white bunker-like house in Takamatsu, Japan, was designed by FujiwaraMuro Architects to draw attention to the owner's sports car. Readers aren't impressed.
"For goodness' sake," exclaimed JB. "Grow some wisteria over it, a lot of wisteria, over it, under it and inside it."
"For the Parasite sequel?" asked Ken Watkins. "The blood is really going to pop against that white."
James agreed: "Looks like it comes pre-haunted."
"Okay, so you’ve got a car (Shania Twain)," joked Mac To The Roots.
This commenter had their own design idea:
Do you think House in Takamatsu looks spooky? Join the discussion ›