In this week’s comments update, readers are debating a graffiti-covered house and sharing their views on other top stories.
Barefoot Architects has built a Corten steel-clad house behind an existing brick wall in Bristol, England. It features a rare built-in Edwardian post box and graffiti.
The studio decided to incorporate the old brick wall into the design of the new house as it felt it “had immense character”.
“The graffiti gives it character”
Readers are divided. “The graffiti does give it character,” said Speed.
Apsco Radiales disagreed: “It’s vulgar and it’s vandalism. Why don’t you let some ‘artists’ deface the walls of your house if you think it gives it ‘character’?”
“Looks like a rundown delivery gate in a sad laneway,” continued Marius.
“Amazed at the negative comments,” concluded JZ. “Highly urban, highly contextual, and constantly in flux if the owners continue to allow people to express themselves. Graffiti is an art form folks. As far as I’m concerned, these owners are patrons.”
Is graffiti an art form? Join the discussion ›
“Dodged a cannonball” says commenter
Readers are torn over news that part of the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad – designed by architect Louis Kahn – will not be demolished as previously planned following international outcry.
“Dodged a cannonball!” said Puzzello. “I can’t believe how institutions so easily screw up when it comes to developing their needs and building new buildings.”
“Like most I was shocked to read that demolition was even considered,” added Zea Newland. “But after hearing about the safety issues I wonder if the international pressure might have been unfair.”
Colin MacGillivray agreed: “Surely a component of a building’s quality is its structural durability? The Kahn buildings are lousy after a few decades – not earthquake resistant or weatherproof with deteriorating structural brick walls.”
Should the Kahn-designed building be demolished? Join the discussion ›
“I quite enjoy the story” says reader
Commenters aren’t convinced by a pair of matching family residences, which have been built by Arhitektura on a narrow site in Ljubljana. The houses are only six metres wide.
“Nice narrative. I quite enjoy the story,” said Chaw Chee Yoong. “But the layout is meh.”
Sim continued: “While the quality is visible and the ambitions admirable I find the design quite choppy and the rooms very narrow.”
“This feels awkward and imbalanced,” added Zea Newland. “The design implies these houses were tailored into an obscure narrow plot with challenging surroundings, but it seems to be a rather regular suburban neighborhood that would have allowed for a more conventional design.”
What do you think of The Double Brick House? Join the discussion ›
“Quit architecture school now” says commenter
Readers are amazed that a house in suburban Adelaide, Australia, was designed by architect-in-training Reuben French-Kennedy. The student designed the property as a retirement home for his parents.
“Quit architecture school now!” pleaded Duckusucker. “You’re already a very talented designer and I doubt you’ve much more to learn. Certainly, building this home taught you more than any remaining classes might. Bravo!”
Heywood Floyd agreed: “Nice plan, great space making, good follow through on big formal moves getting reiterated on smaller scales throughout for a nice coherent design. Excellent siting and landscaping.”
As did Chris: “Really a sharply done house, I’m quite taken by it. Lovely exterior form, interior plan and materials.”
Are you impressed by Willunga House? Join the discussion ›
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