In this week's comments update, readers are saddened that the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture at Taliesin will close.
Cracks in the foundations: readers are upset to learn that Frank Lloyd Wright's School of Architecture at Taliesin is to shut due to a financial disagreement with the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation.
"A very sad day indeed for architectural education," said Benny in dismay. "FLW must be rolling in his grave at the news."
"This isn't right," agreed Wow. "I can only imagine how tough this is on the students. What an amazing institution, an impeccable example of the American community and education. Something this country needs now more than ever."
Evil P was also frustrated: "Pathetic. FLW Foundation is the gift shop. The school was the real deal, an institution founded by the very architect whose legacy the foundation claims to want to preserve. Maybe they could turn Taliesin into a hotel with cool pretend-you're-an-architect VR headsets and maybe a water slide."
As was Jzakary: "It's wonderful to see an 88-year-old institution destroyed because of massive egos and political infighting. :( "
This reader thought they knew the cause of the issue:
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The clash: Adam Nathaniel Furman has delighted commenters with his design for a Tokyo apartment, featuring a bubble-gum pink kitchen and stripey watermelon-green floor.
"Could be a psych ward in a Wes Anderson film," said Mitts Marner. "I like it."
Carlo Maria Cattaneo went on: "I am entirely convinced architecture should be like this – intriguing, colourful, playful, in the most exaggerated and ludicrous way. This is an interesting space for an interesting life, and the architect who dares make a space such as this is just as unprejudiced and brave as needed for some change."
"Oh that kitchen makes me smile!" added Maddi. "I would have a hard time feeling restful in the bedroom, but I think the common spaces are beautifully executed. Rigorous and detail-oriented whimsy."
"Looking back and looking forward simultaneously, while providing atmospheric joy. This is a success!" concluded Anto Yeldezian.
One commenter was less keen though:
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Up, up and away: creative agency Framlab has disappointed readers with its proposal for modular vertical farms, designed to provide low-income neighbourhoods in Brooklyn with access to fresh produce.
Egad: "A noble idea that’s beyond practical – back to the drawing board."
Miles Teg agreed: "Aesthetically cool and eye-catching, functionally idiotic. But functional design doesn't get anyone any attention these days."
"Shows a really shallow understanding of how plants grow, of agronomy, of soil, of food scarcity," LTH agreed. "A thoroughly shallow, throw-away 'design solution' to a very deeply troubling and complex social problem."
"What a de-humanized piece of art,"added Bananarama. "How does one get up inside these structures? Tend to the plants? There are thousands of acres worth of flat rooftop space in cities that would be perfect for growing plants. But for some reason, designers have been obsessed with vertical solutions that simply fight the conditions and natural requirements for growing."
One reader was more optimistic:
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Meta Morphosis: readers are divided over Morphosis' design for a mixed-use development in Los Angeles comprising an angular white structure cradling a plant-covered glass tower.
"Classic discombobulated, haphazardly composed, Morphosis design. Love it," said Stephen.
"It looks like a sock puppet having a snack, but I like it anyway," continued Steve.
"Kill it before it breeds," replied Aaron Albinder.
Benny thought the building resembled something else: "Donald Trump’s hair sort of does the same thing as the white building is doing to its neighbour. It’s a giant architectural comb-over!"
This reader thought the development was dated:
What does the structure remind you of? Join the discussion ›