Commenter says Indian school is "the greatest architecture" they have seen

In this week's comments update, readers are wowed by an oval-shaped school for girls in India and sharing their views on other top stories.

New York-based studio Diana Kellogg Architects looked to symbols of femininity for its design of a school in India made from local sandstone.

The Rajkumari Ratnavati Girls' School was built in the Thar Desert in the north of India to educate and teach over 400 girls between the ages of five and 16.

The studio created a fort-like structure based on nearby sand-dunes that would blend into and grow out of the landscape.

"Project of the year"

Readers are impressed. "Sublime project," said Band. "Gorgeous photography by Vinay Panjwani."

Zealous Advocate agreed: "This is the greatest architecture I've seen on here in a long time."

"Project of the year," added JZ, "absolutely gorgeous. It takes an immense level of discernment to reify a simple concept like this without corrupting it. Amazing job by all."

"Great project and wow design," concluded Sergey Ioffe. "A little castle of knowledge and care."

Are you as amazed as commenters? Join the discussion ›

"The challenge is cultural, not technological" says commenter

Readers are questioning US climate envoy John Kerry's claims that new technologies will be required to prevent catastrophic climate change.

"The challenge is cultural, not technological," said Elisabetta. "The fact that those who work in information don't emphasise this is a serious issue."

Dr Doctor agreed: "It will require a lessening of consumption and an overhaul of our lives. It will require a full shutdown of capitalist consumerist society. Pegging future imaginary technologies is an excuse to not actually solve problems or make decisions that need to be made."

"It's just a way to lull people who are slightly alarmed back to sleep," added Sim. "Also, it places the responsibility for any future failure at the feet of science, research, and universities."

Is Kerry correct? Join the discussion ›

Reader thinks unusual designs are "amusingly creative" 

Commenters are debating an anthology of designer Nicole McLaughlin's viral projects, which sees everyday items – including a volleyball and vegetable peeler – transformed into wearable pieces.

"Amusingly creative," said Egad.

"I was looking for possible Christmas gifts," continued Aigoual. "Perfect!"

Michael Bailey was less keen: "Just stupid and irresponsible. The peeler heel is likely to break. There are too many needs to waste a designer's valuable time with stupid and dangerous ideas."

Are you a fan of the projects? Join the discussion ›

Chinese church is "a bit too blue" says commenter

Readers are discussing a church wrapped in 100,000 panes of stained glass that aims to combine "Christian tradition and Chinese local authenticity" in Luoyuan, China.

"A bit too blue maybe," said Bobby Dazzler.

"Oh no!" continued Olivier van den Hoven. "Spectacularly hideous! A true test to one's piety! Dear lord, the omnipresence of the blue glare will overrule any joy or reverence one could have felt for the grandness of this space. An architecture reference that has gone berserk."

Corporate Overlords was more positive: "Wow, very calming."

Do you think the church is too blue? 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.