Comments update: designers like Thomas Heatherwick are increasingly encroaching on architects' territory, sparking a lively debate among readers about the implications for the built environment. Read more on this and the other most commented stories on Dezeen.

Designers v architects: many readers strongly disagreed with Heatherwick's claim that designing a building was "exactly the same" as designing a Christmas card.

"He should have some gravitas and acknowledge that the problem-solving in architecture has to do with space and not objects," argued one commenter. "Architecture yields to form but it's not the thing in itself."

"Urban planning will spiral out of control if left to designers," agreed James. "They might approach problems in a different way, but there's more to being an architect than making things look pretty."

Others thought designers were more likely to have fresh ideas than architects who are held back by architectural conventions.

"Designers are free from the rigid education of architects," said a guest commenter. "This allows them to create original structures that solve problems in new ways". Read the comments on this story »

Sacré bleu: Herzog & de Meuron dominated headlines last week, unveiling plans for the redesign of the Chelsea FC stadium and winning permission to build Paris' first skyscraper for 40 years. But will the 180-metre-high Tour Triangle be a dud, or become a much-loved landmark?

"Herzog & de Meuron's failed attempt to replicate the allure of the Eiffel tower," said one reader. "So long to the refinement of Paris."

"Context? We don't need context," wrote Chris sarcastically, while others expressed surprise that city planners had approved the design.

However, not everyone was against the project. "[The Tour Triangle is] a modern Parisian icon that will rival the Eiffel Tower and the Pompidou Centre," said regular Dezeen commenter, James. Read the comments on this story »

Tit for tat: a do-it-yourself tattoo machine prompted a strong reaction from readers. Some were against the idea of tattooing altogether, while others defended them as an expression of creativity.

"Tattoos are for the superficial who lack self-control and intelligence," said Jade. "Judging people on their skin is the definition of superficial, surely?" retorted Kim.

Others thought tattooing was best left to professionals. "A tattoo machine is not a pen," wrote Joshua Young. "It's a very specific artist's tool that requires a lot of experience."

Alana Robbie – an experienced tattooer – likened the device to a "home dentistry kit". Read the comments on this story »

Can you handle this? Australian firm Elenberg Fraser won approval for a 226-metre-high Melbourne skyscraper design inspired by Beyoncé. Not all commenters were crazy in love with the proposal.

"Using a contemporary pop star to justify the form of a building is a slap in the face," said Archi-Nerd. "Not to mention a huge step backwards in the campaign to legitimise computer-aided form making."

"Why does architecture always have to be so detached from popular culture?" replied Davvid. "The more ways that we can connect with the urban environment, the better."

"It'll give good publicity and attention to the building," concluded Charles Garrett. "Good design and cultural relevance." Read the comments on this story »