In this week's comments update, readers are debating Edward Mazria's claims that architects can "change the world by acting now" and discussing other top stories.
Architect and founder of non-profit organisation Architecture 2030 Edward Mazria has said that architects can prevent the worst effects of climate change by deciding to design and build to net-zero carbon standards.
"If we act together now, we change the world" he says.
"Architects aren't building buildings for themselves!"
Commenters are torn. "Yes," said Alfred Hitchcock, "if you're lucky enough to have a client that will actually listen to your advice and do what you want them to, regardless of cost. A very rare client in my experience."
Rex Wexford agreed: "It always seems to get overlooked that architects aren't building buildings for themselves! We design them for clients. Finding a client who actually wants a building that meets the criteria is the hardest task."
"Architects can end starvation in Africa if we decide to build farms and wells. Architects can stop wars if we stop designing weapons and redistribute the world's wealth. I am pretty sure architects can stop Covid or any future diseases," added Jacopo, sarcastically.
"Much of the design work we admire (or despise) is done in sweatshops, where dozens of young aspiring architects work 80 or 100 hours per week to serve their art," replied B. "So while humanity may be getting a great bargain, architects need to re-evaluate their business (yes, I said business) approach."
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Reader thinks tubular holiday home is "modernism at its gimmicky best"
Commenters are discussing a pipe-shaped cabin, which Moscow's chief architect Sergey Kuznetsov has constructed on the edge of a slope in Russia's Nikola-Lenivets Art Park.
"Looks like a massive advert for vaping," said Logomisia.
"Fascinated by the negative comments here!" replied Peter. "If I stumbled upon this in a forest, it'd make me smile as it's making a tiny patch of the world a more creative and quirky place."
Jb was also a fan: "This is modernism at its quintessential gimmicky best. Soak it up before it rolls down the hill."
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Commenter claims "the UK doesn't value great design"
The UK government has sparked debate by inviting architects to submit their views on regulation and how to improve diversity and innovation in the industry.
"The UK doesn't value great design," said Blah. "We're taught how to reflect critically on works of literacy, political and cultural events, scientific methodologies, etc in school. But virtually nothing about design."
"The industry is saturated with workers and thousands more are produced each year," continued Bobby Dazzler. "We are 'educating' too many people and for very little pay. If you told a first-year student they will be getting minimum wage when they leave uni they would think twice about it."
Pete S also shared his views: "The first step would be to stop design-build so architects can act as architects again. Then the design process will be faster, smoother and the building much more linked to the creator."
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Reader says renovating the Lloyd's building "will certainly be a test of the original building concept"
Commenters are discussing plans to redesign the iconic Underwriting Room at the heart of Richard Rogers' high-tech Lloyd's building in London.
"Hopefully they won't screw up the building," said Pierer a Varreon.
Apsco Radiales agreed: "Lloyd's is on very thin ice here, better not screw it up. Whatever ideas they and their consultant come up with should be examined and cross-checked by others."
"It's ironic that the building is grade one listed as the idea for the original design was the ease of future life cycle flexibility," concluded Puzzello. "External components meant ease of access and changing out that which breaks down or ages sooner in a building's lifespan. Lloyd's has become a static relic. This renovation will certainly be a test of the original building concept."
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