"What a waste to demolish it" says commenter

In this week's comments update, readers are discussing the planned demolition of Gothenburg's Olympic medal-winning swimming pool, which protesters say would be a "waste of history".

Sweden's Valhallabadet swimming pool, which was designed by architect Nils Olsson in 1948, is set to be demolished as part of a wider project to create new central sports facilities in the city. Local architects, writers and conservation groups have said that its demolition would be a serious loss to the community.

"Sounds like they're demolishing one pool to build another"

Readers were in agreement with protesters. "What a waste to demolish it," argued Leo.

"I grew up in Gothenburg and we used this building very often," recalled Magnus Strom before lamenting that "it would be such a shame to let this go."

"Sounds like they're demolishing one pool to build another," wrote Apsco Radiales. "Don't know how much sense that makes," they reflected.

"It certainly strikes me as a beautiful piece of architecture," contributed Butnotreally. "It seems a shame to lose that, and I would also prefer to see it sensitively remediated or left alone with a new sports complex built elsewhere."

However, not everyone agreed. "To be honest, it's not a masterpiece," determined Honestlywhocares.

Do you think Valhallabadet should be demolished? Join the discussion ›

"The waney edge cladding looks fabulous"

Also igniting debate in the comments section this week was a lake house made almost entirely from cross-laminated timber, designed by the founders of nArchitects for themselves in Hudson Valley.

"Such an incredible and spirited project – bravo," commended Spirit of Place.

For Chris, it was "a very beautiful project, though the immoderate use of timber on every surface is a is a bit much for me." Though they did go on to say that "the waney edge cladding looks fabulous."

"I usually shy away from projects with too much timber as well, but in this case I like it," responded The Discreet Architect. "The concrete floor helps balance the wood," they argued.

Commenter This is not hank decided "great cladding, unique plan, but no composition on the exterior – it's bland."

What do you make of it? Join the discussion ›

"Freedom dies with surveillance"

Also causing a stir this week was a collection of modular CCTV cameras developed by Danish studio Swift Creatives, promising to make home surveillance more playful.

"One rock, one hammer, one can of spray paint, and the camera is out of commission," predicted Design Junkie. "This happens quite often to city surveillance cameras."

Tobias Busch, meanwhile, warned that "freedom dies with surveillance." "At least it can be a playfully sophisticated death," they added.

For Eric, "promising to 'make home surveillance more playful' has got to be one of he most dystopian-sounding statements ever written."

Have you had your say? Join the discussion ›

Comments update

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