Commenter says "we will mourn the loss of so many 1960s buildings"
In this week's comments update, readers are debating news that a 1960s landmark in central London will be demolished and discussing other top stories.
The City of Westminster has granted permission for French Railways House near Piccadilly, which once acted as the headquarters of French national rail network SNCF, to be succeeded by an eight-storey complex designed by Make.
"This is very wasteful"
Commenters are divided. "Taste is subjective of course but on environmental grounds, this is very wasteful," said Alexander. "We will mourn the loss of so many 1960s buildings in the future."
Ken Steffes agreed: "The new building will not be a timeless design like the older building and the arches on the new building will date the newer structure within a decade."
"We still have some of those ugly-looking things from the 60s in my hometown," continued Bobby Dazzler, on the other hand. "Asbestos-covered death traps. I can't see any reason for keeping it. The proposed replacement is okay I suppose and more in fitting with its surroundings."
"Modernists have been bulldozing history for quite a while now," concluded Jb, "so it's no small hypocrisy when they bleat about one of their own mediocre buildings suffering the same fate".
What do you think of French Railways House being demolished? Join the discussion ›
Snøhetta reimagines long-closed 1930s Norwegian harbour bath Knubben
Reader calls plan to revive a traditional harbour bath "super cool"
Snøhetta has unveiled its plan to revive a traditional harbour bath in the city of Arendal, Norway, with a layered structure that looks like a topographical map of the area. Commenters are impressed.
"Super cool!" said Ken Steffes. "Like a man-made island of pleasure."
Don Bronkema agreed: "Species of splendid."
"I'm all about the swooping curves," added Design Junkie.
"Gorgeous," concluded Think.
Are you equally delighted? Join the discussion ›
Reddymade and Ai Weiwei add hexagonal extension to Salt Point home
Commenter thinks metal extension is "all about the architect's name"
Readers are discussing a collaboration between architecture studio Reddymade and Chinese artist Ai Weiwei. The duo designed a corrugated metal extension for a weekend home in Salt Point, New York.
"It's a metal shed!" said Ken Steffes. "Many people could have done the same. Seems it's all about the name."
"I'd be curious to see what a collaboration really means in this case," replied Arhmatic. "What was Ai Weiwei's role in this? A half an hour sketch? A Zoom call and a nod to the architect's work? Or weeks of work detailing the cladding? How do you quantify someone's involvement before you add a name to the project team?"
"Unclear and inarticulate," concluded Chris. "It's a collab, but did it need to be?"
Are commenters being harsh? Join the discussion ›
Council deputy leader resigns due to "unacceptable" rise in Marble Arch Mound costs
Reader praises Westminster City Council deputy leader for "doing the decent thing"
Updates of the MVRDV-designed Marble Arch Mound in London continue to be amongst the most commented stories on Dezeen this week. The most recent is news that Westminster City Council's deputy leader Melvyn Caplan has resigned after costs grew from £3.3 million to £6 million.
"Well done Melvyn Caplan for doing the decent thing," said Borders Grouse.
"When will the media stop describing this stupid, stupid vanity project as a mound?" asked Nick Jones. "It is an ill-thought-out scaffolding structure hastily covered with expensive sedum turf! I think the entire Westminster City Council should resign."
Mistermoog agreed: "£6 million is a disgraceful figure when this country, and its health service, are going through a crisis. Westminster Council should hang their heads in shame, and MVRDV should donate some of their time to improving essential services and infrastructure."
Should more people resign? Join the discussion ›
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