In this week's comments update, readers are discussing the winners of the 2021 Pritzker Architecture Prize and sharing their views on other top stories.

Social housing architects Anne Lacaton and Jean-Philippe Vassal, founders of French studio Lacaton & Vassal, have been named this year's winners of the Pritzker Architecture Prize.

The pair were recognised for the numerous social housing projects they have undertaken as principals of the Paris-based studio.

Their recognition marks the first time a French female architect has won the prize, with Lacaton becoming the sixth woman to receive the award since it was established in 1979.

"The Pritzker prize is a lifetime achievement award"

Some readers were disappointed in the choice, leading other commenters to defend the decision: "Only one word needed," said Fax, "worthy."

Heyou agreed: "To the unhappy ones, a word of advice: go back to books and the schools to try again and learn a bit about what architecture should be – it's not about formal composition, iconic gestures or fancy Instagrammable gimmicks. It should be about reasonable and proper proposals addressed to real problems."

"This is a great decision," continued Iceberg. "Lacaton & Vassal have done good work to demonstrate how existing infrastructure can be developed to both improve the quality of living spaces and to change a building's aesthetic expression. I think it is good to award an architectural practice that has actually managed to accomplish something."

"Year after year I feel the need to say that the Pritzker prize is a lifetime achievement award – not just for someone who has been in the architectural media the most in the last 10-15 years," concluded Archi. "Designers that elevate the 'everyday' are far more important than those only working on silver platter commissions."

Should Lacaton & Vassal have won the Pritzker Architecture Prize? Join the discussion ›

"NFT equals 2021's drunk eBay purchases" says reader

Commenters are baffled by the news that Toronto-based artist Krista Kim has sold the first non-fungible token (NFT)-backed digital home for over half a million dollars.

"NFT equals 2021's drunk eBay purchases," joked Ralph Kent.

"It would have been cheaper but the building regs added to the costs," added Jim Angrabright.

Maarten Okkersen was less amused: "How do you explain this to someone living in the slums of Mumbai or Rio?"

Is the sale of Mars House a laughing matter? Join the discussion ›

"I find this house simply superb" says commenter

Readers are in awe of Danish architect and developer Tommy Rand's home, which he built for himself and his family in Denmark. It features a spiral staircase made from 630 pieces of CNC-cut plywood.

"That staircase... damn," said John McWaters. "I feel as though it's going to age well as it get scuffed from shoes."

Peter O'Loghlen agreed: "I find this house simply superb. The stair, the finishes selection and the kitchen's unimpeded outlook to the outside is one of my all-time architectural design elements."

"Inspires me to get my self-build out of the ground," concluded Puzzello. "It's taken me a lot longer than this guy for the same size structure. Beautiful house! Love the concrete clock."

Are you impressed by Rand's self-build house? Join the discussion ›

"My drawings when I was eight were more detailed" says reader

A pair of sketches showing the concept for an electric car and charging station, which Heatherwick Studio is designing for Chinese car brand IM Motors, has amused commenters.

"Huh?" said Hikoo. "They seem to reveal nothing. My drawings when I was eight were more detailed."

Mechanism Nice continued: "It's not functionally motivated – no simulation of aerodynamics – it's not aesthetically motivated – is the sketch of a half-baked potato – and it's not historically motivated – not even a cursory glance paid to Britain's motoring legacy. What is it, exactly?"

"It's not all about design, people," replied Poka Dot Dreams. "It's also about marketing design. This teaser is just Heatherwick Studio doing its marketing magic. And that is why they get jobs like this. Let's not be so young and idealistic in our condemnations of this project or the post... there is something to be learned here."

What do you think of the sketches? Join the discussion ›