"Why do people need shelves that are really thin?" asks commenter

In this week's comments update, readers are discussing the Thin range of modular shelving by industrial design duo SF-SO, which is just 1.6 millimetres thick but can support the weight of a baby elephant.

Made from mild steel sheets, the Thin furniture series includes a storage unit and wall shelf and comes in a range of different colours and finishes.

"Over-designed, over thought, over-engineered"

Some commenters were in awe of the design. "I understand it, but I'm still amazed by it!" exclaimed Petra S.

Henry had nothing but praise. "Elegant functional design that's confident enough to be visually quiet," they commended. "More please!"

But not all readers were quite so smitten. "Over-designed, over thought-out, over-engineered," concluded Disbelief. "Next time I have a baby elephant over, I'll test it out..." they jested.

BBOB was also unsure. "Why do people need shelves that are really thin?" they asked. "Is it beautiful? No, not at all. Does it solve a problem? No, not as far as I can see," they continued.

Which camp are you in? Join the discussion ›

"Elegant and daring" 

Another story causing a stir in the comments section this week was Archer + Braun's renovation of a listed home in Edinburgh, in which the studio added a limestone-clad extension punctured by expansive glazing.

"Finely executed, but I find the design flat-out uninspired," reflected Rd. "It's a bit like they dropped a container in the backyard," they observed.

Charlotte Tindle took a more blunt view, scorning "what a terrible decision". They argued that "this beautiful old building has been destroyed to accommodate the owners' desire to have a modern indoor-outdoor experience".

But the project had just as many admirers as detractors. Lisa Helmanis called the extension "a lovely transition from the existing space, I imagine it's a delight to live in".

For Pa Varreon it was "elegant and daring", and "a perfect example of how to enhance the value of a listed building while adding a supportive modern structure".

Uninspired or daring? Join the discussion ›

"Note to Tirana – you are not Dubai!"

Also stoking plenty of debate was the news that Swiss architect Valerio Olgiati has unveiled a mixed-use development in Tirana, set to comprise "three totemic figures" built from red-toned concrete blocks sat atop a large concrete base.

"Please get it built!" enthused Spadestick. "It'll be a marvel in the making," they wrote.

Shawn Meindl weighed in to say "I really like the design, it's unique, elemental...'totemic' seems like the right word choice".

However, Apsco Radiales issued a word of warning – "note to Tirana – you are not Dubai! You don't have to be".

Meanwhile, Don Bronkema branded the towers "excrementally hideous".

Hvck wasn't convinced, and predicted "I see a future where these are joyfully imploded to much cheering, returning the skyline and city to its once former beauty". They suggested that "perhaps we can skip the whole building them part".

Do you think Tirana could do better? Join the discussion ›

Comments Update

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