In this week's comments update, readers are discussing the news that Thomas Heatherwick's Humanise campaign is developing a master's degree at Loughborough University.

The degree aims to challenge conventional architecture education and to foster a generation of architects who will "inspire joyful architecture", in line with the goals of the movement.

"A potentially noble, mostly naive goal"

Some readers were far from convinced. "Architecture education is already a joke, adding another punchline doesn't change anything," wrote Rob Rohena.

Michael Michael couldn't pass up on the opportunity for irony, pointing out that "joyful architecture is an interesting entry point coming from someone who has made some of the most depressing subjects we have in NYC."

Commenter Weetbix was in the same boat, writing "gawd, the emotions that spilled over me when I read this article – joy was not one of them."

In a comment that was upvoted 13 times, butnotreally suggested the degree represents "a potentially noble, mostly naive goal being addressed by the wrong people in the most nonsensical, self-serving way."

More balanced in their assessment was Tony M, writing "contentious is the word that springs to mind here". They continued "Heatherwick may not always get everything right, but some of the naysayers are missing the point".

"Isn't it a great idea to found a course that explores the ideas of humanity on architecture? Surely that is the core of the subject matter?" they proposed.

What do you think? Join the discussion ›

"Does it have to look like a self-storage facility on the exterior?"

Another story that got readers talking this week was a metal-clad apartment building created by American studio ISA to maximise space, light and views on a slender urban plot in Philidelphia.

"Elegant and stylish, looks like a comfy place to live in, hopefully for an acceptable cost," wrote Pa varreon.

Eric praised the studio for its "well-planned units and a good use of space on a tight site" before asking "but does it have to look like a self-storage facility on the exterior?"

For JZ, the design is "compositionally very creative".

"Wearing the hard-core economics of infill development on its sleeve," they added. "It won't age well, but here we are – realities of Philly real estate speculation."

Apsco Radiales judged it to be an "interesting solution to a challenging site".

Stylish or self-storage? Join the discussion ›

"This could be the future of UK housing" 

Commenters were also reacting to Nike's Metamorph Poncho, a lightweight multi-layered raincoat that can be reconfigured as a tent for camping.

Some readers weren't impressed. "This is just meme-clothing, only designed to draw attention," scorned Jeroen van Lith.

Meanwhile, Logorithm wasn't sure about the practicality of the design. "Wearing it as a raincoat in a storm turns it into a wind catcher and gets blown away more easily," they warned.

Betty Rubble also had doubts, asking "where is the door? The flysheet? I like the design goal but if the weather is such that you need this raincoat, it won't be a respectable shelter in tent form".

It was unclear if Dik Coates was being sarcastic when he proposed that "this could be the future of UK housing" but, either way, Ken Steffes hailed the project as a "great design concept".

Gimmick or clever solution? Join the discussion ›

Comments update

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