"Social housing is not the place for minimalism" says commenter

In this week's comments update, readers are discussing a trio of buildings completed by David Chipperfield Architects that are part of a riverside development in Lyon, France.

David Chipperfield Architects constructed a social housing block, an office building and a mixed-use high-rise for the part of the development called Lyon Confluence.

"Austerity and monotony never got on well with social housing" 

Commenter Jean Paul was impressed, lamenting "I wish they would make buildings like this in the outer areas of central London". They commended "well done Lyon for showing us how it can be done".

Rd was on the fence. "I can see it's pretty but it's also pretty stark," they wrote before suggesting "a bit of brick in the mix wouldn't have hurt".

Rutledge agreed, writing "I love Chipperfield, but social housing is not the place for minimalism". They went on "we should select architects that provide more warmth, nature and humanity in their designs".

Other commenters were far less forgiving. "Austerity and monotony never got on well with social housing," observed David Foster.

Carla de Livry branded it "Socialist Cold War architecture its best". They continued, "a repeat of the drab and inhuman... what a pity".

What do you make of it? Join the discussion ›

"When the eyesore is this sublime, let my eyes bleed"

Also providing plenty of fodder for commenters this week was Våga Water Tower, a wave-like reservoir made of concrete and elevated on nine columns created by White Arkitekter in Sweden.

Some commenters struggled to get to grips with the design. "I mean, there's generally a good reason why water towers are always cylindrical/conical, right...? asked a dubious RK".

Ghost of Mike Brady concurred, saying "seems to be more visually intrusive than a standard water tower – sort of a behemoth".

Meanwhile, Crazy House Cat posed the question "are we assuming it's a good thing for these man-made monsters to be there for centuries?". They put forward that "such primitive insistence to 'leave our mark' is oh-so-100BC".

However, on the other side of the coin, Luke Grey said "when the eyesore is this sublime, let my eyes bleed".

Meanwhile, Rd chipped in to defend the design, highlighting that "the brief specifically asked for a non-standard design". They added "I think it's a beautiful design and it brings a fantastical quality with it".

Which side are you on? Join the discussion ›

"It seems small but nicely done" 

Also splitting opinions in the comments section this week was a micro home on the outskirts of Indore called Tiny House, designed as a prototype in response to India's shortage of affordable housing.

"Architects who never have to live a day in their nightmare creations," stated Ray Fernandes.

But Robert Dobbs wasn't standing for it, challenging "how is it a nightmare?" They were of the opinion that "it's small but seems nicely done".

MHz was even more enthusiastic. "So inspiring to see small space design principles being applied to a 'tiny' house on foundations rather than wheels – congratulations! they exclaimed"

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

Comments Update

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