In this week’s comment update, readers are discussing Dior’s concept store in Bangkok, wrapped in a golden façade that mimics Dior’s Paris headquarters.
Dubbed the Dior Gold House, the one-story mirrored store is completely surrounded by a false façade covered in one million golden tiles.
“It looks like a coffin about to be buried.”
Stefanos S. branded it “as ugly as it gets”. They added, “Dior stores look like coffins about to be buried.”
For Opera Creep, it was “almost a statement about the empty nature of the world of ‘luxury’, the gaudy but false gilded surface upon which others gaze.”
Eve was equally disappointed. “The world needs so much help right now. Imagine if these funds were spent on something that really makes a difference,” they reflected. “Dior, this is in really bad taste.”
However, Pimms saw things from a different perspective, writing that it was “so bad taste that it actually becomes endearing.”
Is it sold at the Dior concept store? Join the discussion ›
“The perfect dystopian city nightmare”
Commenters reacted to the news that a master plan for 6,500 kilometers of additional footpaths in Dubai has been approved. This includes an elevated, air-conditioned ring road.
“Just when I thought this year couldn’t get any more stupid, Dubai didn’t disappoint,” quipped Whateverandeveramen.
Tamara Glennie agreed, suggesting, “That aerial photo looks like someone asked an AI to design the perfect dystopian urban nightmare.”
Other commenters couldn’t resist the opportunity for sarcasm, either. “It’s sustainable, but ‘we have 30,000 square meters of urban space!'” exclaimed The Discrete Architect. “I bet they use the same sustainability consultant/spin doctor as Neom,” they scoffed.
But reader Andrew Tate staunchly defended the plan, saying: “Dubai is a teenage city trying to figure out what’s best. Its ambition and trying something new should be celebrated.” did.
A dystopian nightmare or something new and ambitious? Join the discussion ›
“There is sophistication in the choice of materials, layout and detailing.”
Another story that sparked debate this week was a cubic elementary school in rural Austria that was designed as a “village within a village” by Bregenz studio Bernad Bader Architecten.
Some commenters were less enthusiastic. “Why is it so dark?” Souji asked.
“We don’t need an architect for this,” Joep de Zee decided. “Any builder could create such a design within minutes,” they claimed.
However, The Discrete Architects came on board to defend the project. “It may not be to everyone’s taste, and it’s certainly not what I want to do, but there’s a sophistication to the material selection, layout and detailing that can never be achieved if the project is led by a builder.” “Yes,” they said. Said.
“Therefore, I respectfully disagree with you on this.”
Do you think the project will pass the test? Join the discussion ›
Update comment
Dezeen is the world’s most commented architecture and design magazine, receiving thousands of comments from readers every month. Stay up to date on the latest discussions on our comments page and subscribe to our weekly debate newsletter. It features the best reader comments from stories from the past seven days.
