"Japan takes this seriously" says commenter
In this week's comments update, readers are discussing Yano Aoyama Architecture Design's public toilet for the Tobe Zoological Park in Ehime Prefecture, Japan.
Comprising a pair of sculpted concrete blocks topped by a naturally curved cedar roof, the design of the public bathroom cubicles draws from the zoo's wooded surroundings.
"Simple, beautiful forms"
Commenters were on the same page, doling out high praise for the Japanese public toilet.
"This is powerful, correct, elegant, vaguely historical, well-made... I could go on," wrote Ben.
Pa Varreon agreed, saying, "Very much elegant. I would almost travel to Japan to visit and use these facilities."
"Simple, beautiful forms," remarked Steve Hassler. "Thanks for this."
Andy Enock wrote, "Japan takes this seriously; they have some brilliant designs."
"It is magnificent and beautiful, I wish we could have something like this in the USA," wrote Joaquin. "Pay here is not the same as pee here, people," he added.
What are your thoughts? Join the discussion ›
"The 90s called and asked for their clunky designs back"
Another story gaining traction this week was the North Tower skyscraper in Chicago by architecture studio SOM, which features a series of cascading terraces.
"I actually like the 80s throwback to geometric play," said Frank Lloyd Wrong.
In accord, Layla wrote, "This is a great contrast to the confused hodge-podge of residential buildings on the other side of the river. Looks good to me!"
"This is much more interesting than the typical glass box condo tower with wafer balconies," said Fremp. "It's like a new take on a classic art deco massing. Great addition to the Chicago skyline."
"Sleek and sane!" said Blau.
Other commenters weren't so keen.
"The 90s called and asked for their clunky designs back," wrote RK. "'Tired skyscraper' would have been a more apt article headline."
Luc Helterbrand said, "In person this building appears very heavy and clumsy. Disappointing addition to the skyline of this great city."
"It's not finished, but I doubt it will look better when it is," wrote This is not Hank in agreement.
Have you had your say yet? Join the discussion ›
"1970s inspired tower with beaver chew"
A project that intrigued readers was the Atlassian Central skyscraper in Sydney by SHoP Architects and BVN Architecture, which has become the world's tallest hybrid timber tower.
"Appropriate then that the shape resembles a tree about to be felled," said Jim Angrabright.
Milton Welch responded to this, calling it a "1970s inspired tower with beaver chew".
"Intrigued by the structure, but also the final enclosure," wrote JZ. "As far as high-rises go, it appears to have its own unique, coherent and tasteful resolution."
"Looking good," agreed Matthew. "But those slanted glazings are providing fantastic ledges for pigeons."
Though replies were overwhelmingly positive, some commenters expressed doubts.
"Where is the heavy timber shipped from? Do they consider this travel distance in the calculations of the amount of embodied energy?" asked DEvODA. "Sometimes these things are all show and no real benefit."
"What staggers me is the sheer volume of the voids around the intriguing internal wooden floors and walls," wrote John. "What purpose do these spaces serve?"
Just as unimpressed, Tom Roberts said, "Who cares what it is made of, it is an ugly and unbalanced design."
What do you reckon? Join the discussion ›
Comments update
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