"The idea of inhabiting Mars is merely fanciful fiction" says commenter

In this week's comments update, readers are considering a concept for a self-sufficient city on Mars and sharing their views on other top stories.

Abiboo has designed the concept for a self-sufficient city set within a cliff on Mars. The architecture studio claims Nüwa could be built in 2054. 

The vertical settlement, which could eventually house 250,000 people, would be built using materials available on the planet.

"Colonialism is alive and well"

Readers aren't sold on the idea. "Go and live somewhere with no water, oxygen and if you go outside, you die?" asked Bubba10. "Sounds like a marketer's dream."

"The biggest problem is that Mars has much lower gravity than Earth," added Egad. "The human body has evolved to be compatible with gravity and cannot survive without it. Until they can invent gravity, this idea of Mars habitation is merely fanciful fiction."

Elie Atallah had other concerns: "Colonialism is alive and well! Settlements! The sense of superiority is staggering."

"Let's not forget that we know a place that is closer, has air, water, food and for a long, long time seemed to be working," finished Marius. "There is new snappy slogan in London: 'Do not move, improve'. How about adopting it on the third rock from the sun?"

Are commenters being cynical? Join the discussion ›

"Spray the security cameras red" says reader

Commenters are discussing 11-19 Jane Street, a red concrete and brick apartment building in New York designed by David Chipperfield Architects.

"A meaningful contribution to the city," said Simon M. "Love it."

Jesse Lockhart Krause was also pleased: "Beautiful balance, subtle, respectful, an elegant outcome which contributes to the city. Well done."

"Spray the security cameras red!" insisted Arbee.

Is 11-19 Jane Street impressive? Join the discussion ›

"Designers need to take a long look at themselves" says commenter

Readers continue to debate NFTs after designers claimed their emergence will trigger a wave of artistic innovation and allow creatives to sell avant-garde work directly to customers.

';"What I like about this new market is that artists who do digital work can monetise their files the same way as artists who create physical work," said Zea Newland. "You no longer need movies, architectural commissions or games in order to get paid."

"Who the hell wants to own a digital file that can't do squat except take up space on your hard drive?" asked Design Junkie. "Little to do with art and all to do with money."

Captain Sensible agreed: "Artists and designers need to take a good, long, look at themselves and ask whether they are actually contributing to the improvement of art and society, or whether they are merely chasing trends."

Will NFTs trigger a wave of artistic innovation? Join the discussion ›

"Low tech at its best" says reader

Commenters are delighted by a brick shopping centre in northern Mexico, which Colectivo C733 topped with roof volumes that bring in daylight and allow hot air to escape.

"Well done," said Vince Cap. "Low tech at its best."

M agreed: "Beautifully and sensitively done. Bravo."

"Architecturally magnificent, wonderful balance of playfulness and elegance," concluded Jesse Lockhart Krause. "Would be nice to see photographs full of vibrance, colour and life when the community uses it."

What do you think of Matamoros Market? Join the discussion ›

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Dezeen is the world's most commented architecture and design magazine, receiving thousands of comments each month from readers. Keep up to date on the latest discussions on our comments page.