In this week’s comments update, readers are discussing a chapel in the Czech Republic made using medieval construction techniques by studio RCNKSK.
Called Our Lady of Sorrows Chapel, its design features a cylindrical form and a stone plinth topped with a gridded timber structure.
“Straightforward and to the point”
Readers were largely united in their praise for the project.
“This is totally fantastic,” determined Ben, arguing “every detail is unique, but not fussy”. “Love the interior structural diagram,” they added.
CharlieBing said, “just astonishing work, not a single step wrong”.
“In the top one per cent of the best work of the year,” admired JZ.
Design Junkie imagined that “it probably smells damn good in there”. They decided that “this build is straightforward and to the point – I like it”.
Also a fan, BrettS thought it was “really quite lovely!” and that “everyone involved should be rightly proud”.
Are you also in awe of the Czech chapel? Join the discussion ›
“What could possibly go wrong here”
Readers were less sure about a series of furniture pieces that can be converted into skate ramps and rails as a “radical way to transform office space”.
Commenter Space Cop struggled to see the relevance, calling it “a product for, like, two whole people on Earth”.
Jack Woodburn agreed, stating “unless it’s a niche skateboard company, I cannot remotely fathom these products being used in any business office setting”.
Taking a more balanced stance, Eve wrote “love the effort, love the imagination” but warned, “my first thought was ‘…what could possibly go wrong here'”.
“I would love to invite Jacob Rees-Mogg to this office for an afternoon tea,” jested Andrew Stys.
“If the goal was to make an office a playground, they have succeeded,” wrote Tom Roberts. “Everyone should indulge their fantasies,” they continued.
What do you make of it? Join the discussion ›
“Marvellous, humane project”
Commenters were divided on a social housing project in Barcelona by local studio Peris + Toral Arquitectes, which was named the winner of this year’s RIBA International Prize.
Reader A wasn’t convinced and thought it “looks like a prison”, pointing out that “there’s not even a playground in the courtyard”.
BBOB also struggled to see the positives, arguing “it’s not sustainable when it will probably be demolished in less than 20 years because nobody wants to throw money at renovating a modernist eyesore”.
However, on the other side of the argument, BrettS called it a “nice job” and that “it actually seems to offer good quality in what looks like it should be relatively affordable housing”.
Also in support, Stef commended the win as “well deserved!” before describing it as a “marvellous humane project”.
Which side are you on? Join the discussion ›
Comments Update
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