"Countries that demolish their past also demolish their future" says commenter

In this week's comments update, readers are debating the demolition of modernist architect Marcel Breuer's Geller I house in Long Island and discussing other top stories.

One of the first homes that Hungarian-American architect Breuer built in the US has been "demolished in the dead of night" to make way for a tennis court.

The home in the village of Lawrence, Long Island, was demolished on 25 January, according to preservation society Docomomo.

"They could have dismantled it and offered it free to a design school"

Readers are divided. "Countries that demolish their past also demolish their future," said Nicholas Tesdorf. "This applies even more to architecture than most categories."

"I wonder what the owners were thinking when they bought the house," added Leo. "'Let's destroy a unique piece of architecture to build a tennis court because there is not a suitable plot for our tennis court anywhere else?'"

"They could have dismantled it and offered it free to a design school to assemble at a new location," continued Tom.

ElephantInTheRoom disagreed: "This house may be historically significant, but it's not one of Brueuer's best examples. And it is ugly. Sorry to call out the obvious. It was not historically protected when the current owners bought it, so they have the right to raze it. Ever heard of private property rights?"

Should the building have been demolished? Join the discussion ›

Bee bricks become planning requirement for new buildings in Brighton

Commenter thinks bee bricks becoming a planning requirement is "terribly long overdue"

The city of Brighton and Hove in England has introduced a planning law that calls for new buildings to include special bricks that provide nests for solitary bees. Readers are buzzing.

"Man, this seems so terribly long overdue," said Steve Hassler. "What other simple solutions should we be incorporating into our lives to commune more with other lives?"

"We should also consider planting more wildflowers than fancy blossoms," replied Zea Newland. "Wildflowers can be accessed by bees more easily than 'conventionally pretty' flowers that are a lot of work but have little payoff for bees."

"This legislation can only be a good thing," concluded Comments Please. "Small measures like these can add up to make a big difference over time. We've to start being positive about any attempt to give nature a helping hand. After all, we're part of nature too."

Should bee bricks be compulsory for all new buildings? Join the discussion ›

Berlin citizens propose law to ban cars from city centre

Reader calls banning cars from Berlin's city centre "a fantastic idea"

Commenters are showing support for a campaign group named Berlin Autofrei, which has proposed a law to limit private car use within the Ringbahn train line in Berlin.

"Fantastic idea," said Ken Steffes, "and now needs to be done in many more cities around the globe."

Paul Horton continued: "This will have to be normal everywhere eventually. Some are just ahead of the curve! I hope it gets implemented."

"Berlin's not a bad city to cycle in already," replied Ian Byrne. "It's reasonably flat and public transport is reasonably good, so it probably does need some stick as well as carrots to reduce car usage much more. Whether an almost complete ban is the way to go, it's hard to say."

What do you think of the idea to ban cars in Berlin's city centre? Join the discussion ›

Heatherwick Studio proposes pier with sense of "playful togetherness" for Seoul waterfront

Commenter criticises Heatherwick Studio proposal for being "an utterly pointless waste of resources"

Readers are discussing The Leaf, a multi-level pier proposed by Heatherwick Studio for a site on the Han River near Seoul's Olympic stadium.

"Yes, let's pour tons of concrete into the ocean and give it a whimsical name," said Sharad Majumdar. "What an utterly pointless waste of resources."

竜皐一 agreed: "What's the point of building an artificial forest and grass field on the water where obviously there is active natural vegetation present on the coast? Should it be in the desert, maybe? Still, a bit of a waste of money as we all know Pier is not such a success."

"Same sh*t, different city," concluded Ralph Kent.

Are readers being harsh? Join the discussion ›

Comments update

_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 onour comments page._

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Commenter suggests Notre-Dame cathedral is "turned into a discotheque"

In this week's comments update, readers are debating a proposal to give Notre-Dame a tourist-friendly makeover and discussing other top stories.

Plans to restore Notre-Dame cathedral in Paris have emerged, including replacing confessional boxes, altars and classical sculptures with modern art murals.

According to the Daily Telegraph, new light and sound effects designed to create "emotional spaces" could also be added, alongside a "discovery trail" through themed chapels, including one with a strong environmental focus.

Quotes from the Bible would also be projected onto chapel walls in various languages, including Mandarin.

"The cathedral is a World Heritage Monument"

Commenters have had a mixed response. "Can it turn into a discotheque at night?" asked Limelight USA.

Pavarreon was less keen: "The cathedral is a World Heritage Monument. It is also a religious institutionalised structure dedicated to cult and worship – certainly not a tourist's facility. Would we accept St Paul's Cathedral in London, St Peter's Basilica in Rome or La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona to become circuses? Shame on them."

Chris D replied: "Are the freestanding art pieces and sound and light effects all removable? Yes. Will the actual cathedral fabric be restored as it was? Yes. Problem? No."

"Thanks for putting this all in perspective," concluded Frank. "I bet zero per cent of the people screaming about this know that the golden cross at the high altar of Notre Dame was designed, constructed, and installed in the 1990s."

How do you feel? Join the discussion ›

"World's first" unisex condom created by Wondaleaf

Commenter claims creator of unisex condom "forgot that sex is about sexiness"

Readers aren't convinced by Malaysian gynecologist John Tang's design for a condom that can be worn by both males and females during sex.

"Someone forgot that sex is also about sexiness," said Andrew. "It is not just a binary reproduction or non-reproduction issue. Wrapping a thin plastic bag around your reproductive organs doesn't look very appealing."

"Would be a good product to stop the spread of STDs," replied Ken Steffes. "That should be the focus of new products like this, not the act of having sex."

"Should be called the Innie Outie," concluded Design Junkie.

Are readers missing the point? Join the discussion ›

Stadium in giant tent completes ahead of World Cup in Qatar

Reader says FIFA 2022 World Cup stadium's analogy "doesn't really hold up"

Commenters are debating Dar Al-Handasah's 60,000-seat Al Bayt Stadium in the Qatari city of Al Khor. The tent-like structure was created for the 2022 World Cup and named after the historic bayt al sha'ar tents that were used by nomadic people.

"Shame the tent shape is not visible internally," said Steve Leo.

Alfred Hitchcock disagreed: "The tent analogy doesn't really hold up when you see that it needs a motorway for access and it's surrounded in concrete and a sea of parking."

"Modernist dogma demands the outside form be reflected on the inside, demands form be abstract and not representational, and demands dissenters be ridiculed," replied JB. "The vast majority don't care and will simply recognise this form as culturally relevant and pleasing to look at."

Are you keen on the Al Bayt Stadium? Join the discussion ›

ODDO Architects builds TH House on tiny infill plot in Hanoi

Commenter says "projects like this are what architecture is about"

Readers are wowed by Vietnamese studio ODDO Architects' design for a five-storey family home in Hanoi. The plot measures just four metres wide and six metres deep.

"Yet more Vietnamese magic," said Think. "There must be something in the water."

Marius agreed: "Not the first good project from ODDO Architects. Young practice with accomplishments. A fine house, clever execution, commendable."

"Projects like this are what architecture is about for me," concluded Zea Newland. "This is yet another exciting structure from Vietnam. I love the focus on functionality – and boy what an interesting site to build on."

What do you think of TH House? Join the discussion ›

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Commenter questions why Burberry designed "a building that could destroy thousands of birds"

In this week's comments update, readers are irritated by Burberry's design for a reflective pop-up store in South Korea and discussing other top stories.

British fashion brand Burberry has installed a pop-up store that reflects a surrounding mountain range on Jeju Island, South Korea, for its latest outerwear clothing collection.

The Imagined Landscapes Jeju installation is made from plywood, timber and a reflective polycarbonate mirror material.

"Out of touch in pretty much every way possible"

Commenters are annoyed. "Oh, the poor birds!" said Stefanos S. "Why are architects allowed to design reflective buildings? The design is great but the reflecting material is plain wrong."

Apsco Radiales agreed: "I can even get over the shape, the design, the location, but why in God's name are you building such a highly reflective building that will destroy thousands of birds?"

"Tomorrow's trash today!" continued Alexis Harrison. "Hopefully, South Korea has plenty of landfill space for all that non-circular polycarbonate and plywood once this gets discarded after a pitifully short life pleasuring a select few."

"Out of touch in pretty much every way possible," concluded Steve Leo.

Dezeen has asked Burberry if the building poses a risk for birds but hasn't yet had a response.

Are readers being harsh? Join the discussion ›

Demountable stadium built with shipping containers reaches completion in Qatar

Commenter says "if buildings could virtue-signal," shipping container stadium "would be a role model"

Readers are debating a demountable stadium built with shipping containers, which is nearing completion in Qatar ahead of the FIFA 2022 World Cup.

"If this building actually gets disassembled and built somewhere else, it will be the architecture story of the decade," said Puzzello.

"From what I can see the stadium is not 'built with shipping containers,'" replied Walter Astor. "The stadium is built with steel and concrete and then some repurposed shipping containers were tacked on to allow a feeble claim to sustainability. If buildings could virtue-signal, this would be a role model."

Garlic agreed: "In what way is this sustainable? A few tokenistic shipping containers plonked on for aesthetics doesn't make it sustainable. And what happens to those after the World Cup?"

Is Stadium 974 a clever idea? Join the discussion ›

Ten projects by Virgil Abloh that demonstrate his versatility as a designer

Readers believe Virgil Abloh "showed the world everything is possible"

Commenters, designers and creatives have paid their respects to Virgil Abloh following his death from cancer this week. We also rounded up 10 projects that illustrate the designer's boundary-pushing approach.

"Sad day," said Nir. "Rest in peace icon!"

"The legacy you left behind will always be remembered," added Lek. "You've shown the world everything is possible."

Haokip concluded: "Never a fan of his work, but sad that he passed away so young. God bless his family."

What was your most memorable project by Abloh? Join the discussion ›

Zinc-clad hikers' cabin perches on a cliff edge in the Dolomites

Commenter calls hikers' cabin "superb in all aspects"

Readers are discussing a small cabin that Demogo has perched on the dramatic Marmarole mountain range in Northern Italy's Dolomites. It is meant as a refuge for hikers.

"This project is superb in all aspects," said Sheets. "Beautifully scaled, shaped, and sited – conscientiously and responsibly designed, expertly executed."

"Mixed feelings about this being an emergency shelter," continued JZ. "The last thing one probably requires is being perched in a wind-rattled box that appears to be intent on funneling off the edge of the mountain."

DY disagreed: "I do a tonne of multi-day mountaineering and in my opinion, this is fit for purpose. Beautifully designed and well located for visibility purposes. If you're worried about 'funneling off the edge' after a five-hour hike in steep terrain, then you shouldn't be up that high in the first place."

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

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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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Commenter says tearing down the Nakagin Capsule Tower "is a tragedy"

In this week's comments update, readers are debating the disassembly of Tokyo's Nakagin Capsule Tower.

The Nakagin Capsule Tower in Tokyo, a 20th-century metabolist landmark by architect Kisho Kurokawa, is set to be disassembled and the capsules either donated to museums or turned into rental units.

Built over the course of just 30 days in 1972, the housing block is considered a rare example of Japanese metabolism.

"A really wonderful and important building"

Readers are divided. "This is very, very sad," said Andrew.

Catcassidy agreed: "This is a really wonderful and important building. While it may have outlived its function and is no longer viable as residences, tearing it down is a tragedy. This is short-sightedness. Once it's gone, you can't get it back."

"Interesting story, yet the architectural vision is short-sighted, utilitarian, and quite depressing," replied Valeria Lie Alonso. "No surprise that the architects were influenced by Marxism. No life, no beauty, no imagination. A dystopia envisioned for the rational worst-case scenario rather than aspiring for better ways of life."

"It will be dismantled but not forgotten," concluded Jacopo. "Please don't be too sad. Think of it as a transformation. Few buildings go from architecture to art and live forever in spirit rather than in concrete."

Is tearing the building down a tragedy? Join the discussion ›

Heatherwick Studio unveils Airo prototype at Goodwood Festival of Speed

Reader says Thomas Heatherwick's electric car is "ribbed like a condom"

Commenters are discussing Thomas Heatherwick's prototype of an electric car that the studio claims will clean the air as it drives. Airo was designed for Chinese car brand IM Motors.

"Amazing," said Yoram Maron. "Wrinkled like an old lady but for sure exceptional. Why not?"

"Very Clockwork Orangey," continued Hilton Purvis. "Ribbed like a condom, white to boot (would definitely be a pain to clean). I love concept cars though. Keep 'em comin'… so we can critique 'em."

"Of all the ways to do an interior and they chose to use my parent's corduroy lounge chairs from the 70s," added Christopher Kelley.

What do you think of Airo? Join the discussion ›

Foster + Partners gets green light for One Beverly Hills development

Commenter "loves subtle fence" keeping people out of development

Readers aren't sold on Foster + Partners' plans to redevelop a triangular site in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, with a botanical garden and a pair of plant-covered high-rises.

"So is this a new towered-gated-community with communal ownership scheme to build a very expensive part of a branded city?" asked 竜皐. "The Commerce city had come so far. No 'ordinary' citizens are allowed in."

Troels Steenholdt Heiredal agreed: "I love the subtle fence in the foreground of the first rendering – what a delicate way of telling the onlookers 'this will not be for you, please stay out'."

"Come on, people!" replied Apsco Radiales. "Better than seeing acres and acres of parking lots and condos like the one Gensler just designed for Vancouver. You have to admit!"

Are commenters being harsh? Join the discussion ›

Images of Herzog & de Meuron's wedge-shaped art institute in Seoul revealed

Reader says Dezeen founder was "having a bad day" in debate over article

Commenters debated with Dezeen's founder and editor-in-chief Marcus Fairs on whether we should have published a preview of the ST/SongEun Building in Seoul, South Korea. The Herzog & de Meuron designed building is due to open in September.

"So little information here," said Alfred Hitchcock. "A few abstract photos and no drawings. What's the point of the press release?"

"I am assuming that at this point, everyone understands that there are certain types of articles – project features, interviews, promos, and yes, little incomplete teasers sometimes," replied OM. "Is this your first day on Dezeen/the internet?"

"I don't know why this bothers you so much," said Fairs. "We got sent a few images by the PR company ahead of the building's opening and thought it would make a good, quick news story. We'll do another, more in-depth story later when we get the full image set and (hopefully) plans. We're a news site and this is how we roll!"

"To sum up, key points thus far," concluded JZ. "1) Dezeen readers still find the editorial decisions to release stories with a paucity of information to be a huge weakness of the journal. 2) Lack of information has allowed confirmation bias to be triggered and readers find the building cold and disrespectful of the context. 3) Marcus was having a bad day."

Should Dezeen have published the article? Join the discussion ›

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"I didn't realise architecture was so dangerous" says commenter

In this week's comments update, readers are discussing footage of police storming a building and arresting the organisers of the annual Antepavilion architecture charity competition.

It is thought that police believed the canalside Hoxton Docks art building in east London was being used by environmental protest group Extinction Rebellion to prepare for protests.

CCTV footage shows more than 40 officers streaming into the building after the door was forced open with power tools.

Another clip shows eight officers pulling owner Russell Gray off his motorbike when he arrived after being told about the raid.

"Excessive force is not just an American problem"

Readers were horrified: "I didn't realise architecture was so dangerous," said Jolalala. "Perhaps it should be outlawed altogether? It is strange that they needed 52 officers to arrest one unarmed arts producer. They must be very afraid of us creative folk."

"'Nice' to see excessive force is not just an American problem," continued JZ.

"Beyond the general insanity of raiding an art collective, I like all the effort to completely destroy the door, frame, and surrounding windows," added BT76. "Why not break a single pane, reach in, and unlock the door? Or, you know, just knock, like civilized people."

Heywood Floyd was also annoyed: "Meanwhile stereotypical football hooligans overrun the gates at Wembley for the Euro final".

What do you think of the CCTV footage? Join the discussion ›

Visual shows supertall skyscraper designed by OMA for Billionaire's Row in New York

Commenter dubs OMA's supertall skyscraper "the Tweezer"

OMA has proposed a mixed-use high-rise for the cluster nicknamed Billionaire's Row in New York. Called 41-47 West 57th Street, the supertall skyscraper would overlook Central Park in Manhattan. Readers aren't sold.

"Behold, the Tweezer," joked Z.

"The Dubaification of New York continues," said LNDCNTMPRY, "or as Fran Lebowitz put it, New York copying Dubai copying New York…"

"When are we going to stop fluffing these billionaires' flaccid super-egos?" asked Siphonophoros. "With so many homeless encampments on our doorsteps where are the projects that actually serve the vulnerable and disenfranchised?"

Are you impressed by 41-47 West 57th Street? Join the discussion ›

"Planet-wide regeneration could result in a safer climate after a few hundred years"

Reader jokes that humans retreating to Planet City "would save us"

Holly Jean Buck has suggested that instead of being forced to retreat from the impacts of climate change, humanity could undergo a managed retreat to Planet City – a single, purpose-built metropolis, while carbon removal takes place on a planetary scale. Commenters aren't convinced.

"Great," said Charles Kelso, "another entirely unfeasible 60s-style grandiose futuristic pipe dream. That'll save us."

Anython was less negative: "This is sort of a good idea, except for solar flares and the looming return to intense volcanism, and the many other factors that more significantly impact whether our planet is in a particularly habitable state for humans."

"I think you have to make a good analysis of what went wrong before you start solving problems," added Sim. "That is why this isn't a solution, it is more of the same really, more of turning the earth into an object that people subject to a certain treatment."

Is moving to Planet City a good idea? Join the discussion ›

Southwark Brick House peeks above a brick wall in Bermondsey

Commenter appreciates Bermondsey home for being "different and taking risks"

Readers are debating a home in Bermondsey, London, which has been built on the site of a former garage. An existing brick wall, which Satish Jassal Architects describe as "intrinsically part of the place", was retained and encloses the site.

"This may not be everybody's cup of tea," said Jacob S, "but it is different and takes risks, and that alone is enough to elicit appreciation from me. I love the atmosphere and feeling created here."

"Not sure I agree with all of the decisions made here," continued Heywood Floyd, "but you have to give the architects credit for going all in. If the conceit was PoMo Kahn then they nailed it. Ambitious work at the very least."

"Really nice project," concluded Steve Leo, "but the multiple varying bonding patterns across the new house makes it look a bit too fussy for my taste. Very tastefully done and well detailed, though."

What do you think of Southwark Brick House? Join the discussion ›

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Claims that planting trees won't slow climate change are "absolute garbage" says commenter

In this week's comments update, our story quoting experts who say planting trees "doesn't make any sense" in the fight against climate change has triggered a furious reaction from readers.

"Absolute garbage," said Rory in the story's comments section. "Trees have a massive potential for capturing carbon."

"What claptrap," added David Graybeal. "Someone with a financial interest in an alternative disparages one perfectly good approach."

"Let's plant them anyway"

Many of the specialists quoted in our story claim afforestation is not a reliable enough method of long-term carbon sequestration since the trees need to be left growing for decades.

Several readers said that shouldn't stop tree-planting schemes. "Let's plant them anyway," said Kevin McGrath. "There are a million other benefits, not least being that they look fantastic!"

Line agreed: "Reforestation creates ecosystems that are cooling down big areas, allowing water to be better absorbed by the soil, helping biodiversity and habitat for endangered species. As valid as the concern of speed of carbon-capturing is, nature will benefit from reforestation if done in a considered and sustainable way."

Michael Wigle sympathised with claims in the article that carbon offsetting schemes can be dubious. "Saying you are offsetting carbon by planting a tree is nonsense," he said, but added: "That doesn't mean we shouldn't invest more time and effort into re-establishing true old-growth forests and greater biodiversity."

Does planting trees make sense in the fight against climate change? Join the discussion ›

"I respond to every f*cking detail of the time we're in" says Frank Gehry

Commenter says Frank Gehry should "focus on the details that keep water out of the f*cking building"

Readers are reacting to Frank Gehry's claims that he "responds to every f*cking detail of the time we're in". The architect made the comment during an interview about his new tower in Arles, which he claims fits with both the ancient Roman city and today's environmental agenda.

"I f*cking love Frank Gehry," said Anthony Provenzano Architects.

"Frank, you've earned every right to do whatever the f*ck you and your clients want," added Gregory Walker. "It's been a hell of a career. Thank you for being an inspiration on how to be an architect."

Heywood Floyd disagreed: "When I went to the Guggenheim in Bilbao there was a 55-gallon plastic garbage bin at the top of the stairs to catch the rainwater pouring in through the sculptural glazed roof. Instead of focusing on the 'f*cking details of the time we're in' he should try focusing more on the f*cking details that keep the water out of the f*cking building."

Does Gehry respond to every detail? Join the discussion ›

Citizens Design Bureau adds "delicately perforated" Corten extension to Manchester Jewish Museum

Corten steel is "both innovative and gorgeous," says reader

UK studio Citizens Design Bureau has renovated and extended a heritage-listed synagogue to create a museum that "tells the stories of Jewish Mancunians". Commenters are amazed.

"Not a big fan of Corten," said Marc Sicard, "but this way of using it is both innovative and gorgeous."

Orlando1a1 agreed: "This is a fantastic way to use a material that can look so oppressively industrial. When used in such a sensitive way, it transforms into something really rather beautiful and intricate. I never thought that Corten steel could be made to look almost as delicate as lace."

"Every design element compliments the existing structure instead of detracting from it or taunting it," concluded The Pixinator. "It's so harmonious and appropriate. I really love it."

Are you impressed by the renovation? Join the discussion ›

Kengo Kuma reveals cedar-clad public toilet in Tokyo

Public toilet "is the kind of thing cities need," says commenter

Readers are having mixed reactions to a toilet in Tokyo, which Japanese architect Kengo Kuma designed "to dispel the conventional image of public toilets".

"This is the kind of thing more cities need," said Charles Kelso. "Free public facilities that aren't little steel or concrete coffins."

Marc Sicard was less keen: "This is very underwhelming. Wood use seems gratuitous, the rails don't fit the overall aesthetics... not bad but very eh."

"Looks like a health and safety nightmare!" concluded Alfred Hitchcock. "I can imagine the drunk salarymen trying to negotiate this late at night."

What do you think of A Walk in the Woods? Join the discussion ›

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