In this week's comments update, readers are debating the heating costs of the controversial Sky Pool at the Embassy Gardens development in London and discussing other top stories.

Residents at the Embassy Gardens development in southwest London claim its Sky Pool is too cold to be used in winter, despite heating costs of £450 a day.

The transparent swimming pool, which is suspended 35 metres in the air between two buildings, should be closed during the colder months to save money and energy, according to some residents.

Developer Ballymore claims the pool "remains a popular amenity".

"They can use the pool as a high-altitude ice skating rink"

Commenters are divided. "This is an environmental catastrophe," said Kath Scott. "Why are we allowing things like this to be built in a climate emergency?"

Mr Sustainable agreed: "Shame on HAL for proposing such an irresponsible feature. Architects should know better and advise clients, even if it means saving on budget."

"I live there," replied Tom. "It is a development sold with an asset that has a service charge funding it. No one asked me to live there or to pay for it so I don't get why residents would complain. Go live elsewhere if you don't like it."

"They could use the pool as a high-altitude ice skating rink!" suggested Amaury Rafael Arroyo.

Should the Sky Pool be turned off during winter? Join the discussion ›

Commenter thinks concrete Balenciaga store "looks like a city's sewer system"

Readers aren't sold on fashion brand Balenciaga's new Berlin store, which continues the company's Raw Architecture aesthetic and boasts monolithic concrete slabs and distressed surfaces.

"Looks like some large city's sewer system junction," said Apsco Radiales.

Muckers270 wasn't keen either: "Keyword equals 'distressed'. It is. I am."

"Architects are so in love with this concrete ideology that they don't see how depressing it is in reality," added Prbslv. "If this design reflects anything German, it is the interiors of Hitler's underground bunker. Modernism should be reserved for bunkers, sewage canals, prisons, and maybe hospitals."

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

Reader calls Richard Rogers a "wonderful, gracious man and great architect"

Commenters are mourning the loss of high-tech architecture pioneer Richard Rogers, who designed the Centre Pompidou and Lloyd's building. He passed away at his London home this week aged 88.

"Wonderful, gracious man and a great architect," said John Hix. "It was a pleasure to have known him. The design world will miss Sir Richard."

Wave Notation agreed: "How not to admire the work and character this giant gave and has shown in the last fifty years? Thank you sir, your light shines on."

"Such an incommensurate loss! Sir Richard has given us practical examples of his innovative ideas – combining high-tech materials and processes, modular and mass-produced elements, bringing industrial design and architecture together. All of this whilst being a humble, cheerful and very decent human being. Truly one of a kind," concluded Everaldo Amorim.

How will you remember Rogers? Join the discussion ›

Commenter calls McDonald's first net-zero carbon restaurant "lipstick on a pig"

Readers aren't convinced by claims that McDonald's has opened the UK's first net-zero carbon restaurant building. The restaurant was built using natural or recycled materials and powered by a combination of wind turbines and solar panels.

"Add as many windmills and solar panels as you wish," said JayCee. "The beef and fast-food industries are not, and never will be, sustainable. This is lipstick on a pig. Pun intended."

Xavier Smales agreed: "A 'net-zero' restaurant selling intensively farmed meat, that you have to drive to. Another shining example of holistic sustainability."

"With an eventual plant-based menu, will the ground coffee actually be made from ground?" asked Alan Sims.

Are readers being cynical? 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.