In this week’s comments update, readers are debating a report that found that architecture is among the most privileged industries in the UK and discussing other top stories.

A report titled Social Mobility in the Creative Economy by the Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre reveals that 73 per cent of workers in the UK architecture industry are classed as privileged.

Architectural careers such as architects, town planning officers, and technicians rank as number one in the study’s list of the 25 most elite occupations in the UK.

“Architecture is a tremendous amount of work for a minimal salary”

Commenters aren’t convinced. “As an underpaid architect in my late 40s, who held down a part-time job whilst working my way through architecture school, I struggle with my privilege every day,” joked Jay Cee.

Alfred Hitchcock continued: “I’m from an underprivileged working-class background and I worked my way through my education and paid for it myself. Public perception of architects’ earnings has no bearing on reality.”

“You are looking at the problem the wrong way,” added Jacapo. “Architecture is a tremendous amount of work for a minimal salary. Only rich kids will be able to deal with the work for free mentality around this profession.”

Felix Tannenbaun agreed: “Architecture students need huge blocks of uninterrupted time for thinking and for crafting. The work that is expected of them is intense. This time and work requirement weeds out those who are exhausted from side work. This paired with relatively low wages skews the demographic to those who have a background that allows both.”

What do you think? Join the discussion ›

Gehry is “one of a few architects doing anything remotely interesting” claims commenter

Readers are praising Frank Gehry’s design for the Guggenheim museum in Abu Dhabi, which is set to open in 2025 – nearly 20 years after plans were unveiled and 14 years after construction began.

“Gehry,” said Hosta, “still one of a few architects doing anything remotely interesting.”

Siphonophoros agreed: “It’s beautiful, grand, imaginative, ambitious, decadent, humorous, provocative, and it irritates the commoners. What’s not to like?”

“Anyone could design a massive jumbled sculpture, but not anyone can make it function as a building,” concluded BSL. “I’m not a fan of the aesthetics, but I’ve got to hand to Frank, no one does it like him.”

What do you think of the new Guggenheim museum? Join the discussion ›

Reader thinks Denver housing complex screams “look at me”

Commenters are debating a small housing complex in Denver, Colorado, that provides eight units with shared amenities on a lot that would typically accommodate only two single-family homes.

“It screams ‘look at me, I am so minimal'”, said Karol B.

Archi was also unsure: “So when one family is eating dinner, and another family is watching a movie, do they just wave at each other between the all-glass wall?”

“I think you’re missing the point,” replied Eric. “It’s not intended to be two distinct, traditional single-family dwellings. Each building contains three units with a shared kitchen/living room. It’s supposed to be a communal living arrangement.”

Are readers missing the point? Join the discussion ›

Commenter calls “carbon negative” skyscraper “a huge achievement”

Readers are divided over a timber development in Sweden, which features the world’s second-tallest wooden tower. White Arkitekter claims the tower will be carbon negative over its lifetime.

“Call me a grouch but gosh, that’s unattractive,” said Pixinator. “I do like the sustainability of timber construction but I really dislike the inevitably unfinished-looking aesthetic.”

Bunker Mentality agreed: “Looks like a really not well-aged example of a mid-seventies, small-town, power station.”

“A carbon-negative building is a huge, huge achievement,” replied a less cynical Z-Dog. “Sometimes we see the work of high-tech architects like Grimshaw or Renzo Piano as pointing towards the future of architecture. I think buildings like this may give a snapshot of the ways we will be working in 15-20 years’ time.”

Are you impressed by the Sara Kulturhus Centre? Join the discussion ›

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Dezeen is the world’s most commented architecture and design magazine, receiving thousands of comments each month from readers. Keep up to date on the latest discussions on our comments page.

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CLB Architects has completed a holiday home in Wyoming’s Teton mountain range, drawing references from settler communities that were built as the United States expanded further West.

The property is named Five Shadows after the five distinct volumes that make up the 12,800 square-foot (1,100 square metres) estate. “The house, reminiscent of a homesteader’s settlement, is composed of five connected, symmetrical, agrarian-inspired forms,” said CLB Architects.

The term refers to the Homestead Acts, a set of laws in the United States enacted after the civil war that allowed any adult male to claim up to 160 acres (65 hectares) of government land as private farmland.

This spurred the development of the country’s Western frontier, including what’s known today as Wyoming. These settlements were often built with modest means, and were characterised by simple gabled roofs.

CLB Architect’s project is a single-family home, which lays out the owner’s program into several similar volumes laid out around a series of exterior terraces and a pool.

“Slightly elevated above neighbors, the compound imparts a feeling of privacy, screens nearby buildings through structural orientation and strategic window placement, and takes in broad views across the valley to the Gros Ventre Range,” said the studio, which is based in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and Bozeman, Montana.

“The largest form hosts the public spaces, while the peripheral volumes capitalize on privacy for bedrooms and a den,” the architects explained.

Three of these buildings, which are connected by glazed walkways, contain  four of the home’s bedrooms. The last structure is off to the side, and contains a pool house.

“The layout of the multiple buildings lends an elegance to the flow, while the relationship between spaces fosters a sense of intimacy,” according to the architects. In the clearings between the buildings, the architects included a range of different spaces, such as an outdoor dining area and lounge.

Guests enter the home via a double-height glass lobby, where a monolithic black door on an offset pivot is framed by two large cabinets for storing coats. A gallery then leads to the main part of the home, for entertaining guests.

An open-tread staircase leads upstairs, where there are two additional bedrooms that bring the total to six.

Here, two separate living rooms at either end of the main gabled structure frame a large dining area, allowing for several groups to gather at once. To delineate the space, the architects include two fireplaces that help separate these areas from one another.

The interiors, which were designed by Philip Nimmo, feature a bright palette of rift-sawn white oak boards on the walls, floors, and ceilings, with black steel detailing and a stone that matches the exterior cladding. The restrained choice of materials emphasises the home’s “deep connection to the outdoors”.

CLB Architects has completed several homes in Wyoming, including a property with a black steel exterior that is intended to weather and rust over time, and a home belonging to studio co-founder Eric Logan, which he renovated with a pitched steel roof.

The photography is by Matthew Millman.

Project credits:

Architecture: CLB Architects (Eric Logan, AIA, Principal; Andy Ankeny, AIA, Principal; Sam Ankenny, AIA, Associate)
Interior design: Philip Nimmo
Contractor: KWC
Landscape: Hershberger Design
Civil Engineer: Nelson Engineering
Structural Engineer: KL&A.
Mechanical Engineer: JM Engineering
Electrical Engineer: Helius Lighting Group

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A King’s Cross Social Learning Hub and a project that aims to tackle the housing crisis in Cork by upskilling local apprentices is included in Dezeen’s latest school show from students at Oxford Brookes University.

Also included is a community hub designed to promote interactive learning through growing and cooking and a system of spaces designed for an ageing population.

Oxford Brookes University

School: School of Architecture
Courses: Apprenticeships Level 7
Tutor: Karl Kjelstrup-Johnson, Denis Vlieghe, Peter Garsteki and Mina Samangooie

School statement:

“Defined by collaborative research and knowledge exchange, The Oxford Brookes Apprenticeship programme drives for a paradigm shift in architectural education. Our vision is to future proof the profession by providing a unique and fully integrated platform for social mobility, collaborative research and knowledge exchange with our industry partners.

“Offering employers an opportunity to support talented employees who are in possession of the RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) Part 1 qualification and are ready to complete Parts 2 and 3. The programme integrates academic learning and preparation for professional qualification with work-based practice.”

Kings Cross Construction Consolidation and Innovation Centre by Luke Squires

“Construction Consolidation and Innovation Centre is a collaborative workspace that aims to bridge the gaps in what has become a complex and segregated industry.

“The facility provides the necessary resources to aid the design process at every ‘workstage’ and facilitate movement of materials for Loninner-city city construction projects.”

Student: Luke Squires
Course: Apprenticeships Lvl 7 _Year 3

KX FASHION – King’s Cross Fashion Accelerator Studio by Alex Murarescu

“King’s Cross Fashion Accelerator Studio addresses some of the sustainable aspects present in the fashion industry by empowering young fashion designers to establish sustainable local brands.

“The project merges the fashion design studio and retail typology into a unique fashion experience space where the general public is invited to observe, engage and emerge in the creative process.”

Student: Alex Murarescu
Course: Apprenticeships Lvl 7 _Year 3

Affordable, Adaptable, Low Carbon Housing by Oliver Baldock

“The project focuses on the affordable development of social housing, where adaptability in design and life of the building is prioritised, and social and environmental sustainability is at the centre of the design process.”

Student: Oliver Baldock
Course: Apprenticeships Lvl 7 _Year 3

Sanctum Metropolis by Edwin Wong

“Sanctum Metropolis is a scheme designed to address everyday stress in the bustling city of London. Built around the concept of creating separation to the city and following the narrative of reincarnation.

“A journey to relaxation is curated via a sequence of key spa experiences.”

Student: Edwin Wong
Course: Apprenticeships Lvl 7 _Year 3

Atelier REcreate by Jim Santoni

“Atelier REcreate is a research and learning centre based in the heart of King’s Cross intended to popularise the circular economy. Entirely designed for disassembly, the building changes to fit its users’ needs creating opportunities to test different materials over time.”

Student: Jim Santoni
Course: Apprenticeships Lvl 7 _Year 3

Port of Cork Built Environment Apprenticeship Academy // PoC:BEAA by Tegan Ramsey

“This research-led project aims to tackle the housing crisis in Cork through the education and upskilling of local apprentices within the AEC industry.

“The project responds to local socio-economic needs, is informed by its vernacular heritage and is rooted in a commitment to place and propriety.”

Student: Tegan Ramsey
Course: Apprenticeships Lvl 7 _Year 3

Modern Construction Skills Centre by Thomas Linzey

“This project explores how the fabric of a building can describe the process of construction and facilitate the training of construction apprentices specialising in innovating new construction systems.”

Student: Thomas Linzey
Course: Apprenticeships Lvl 7 _Year 3

N1C Urban Farm and School by Kudzai Chirimuuta

“This project is a space designed to promote interactive learning and student participation through the experience of growing, cooking and eating locally grown food.”

Student: Kudzai Chirimuuta
Course: Apprenticeships Lvl 7 _Year 3

User Centric Design for the Ageing Population by Katherine Birkett

“Research led design through user engagement, uncovers the key design elements for the ageing population.

“The primary research and design project simultaneously creates a replicable system of spaces, aiming to inform future later living communities, showcasing the new demographic phenomenon.”

Student: Katherine Birkett
Course: Apprenticeships Lvl 7 _Year 3

King’s Cross h2o (KXh2o) by Max Collins

“Architecture can facilitate playful public spaces. The playfulness associated with interacting with water can encourage both group and solo activities alike.

“King’s Cross h2o aims to aid in combating the decline in urban mental wellbeing within London by providing a platform for this interaction.

“A series of water-oriented activities allow users to move through the site in radial sequences, providing a journey of emergence and discovery between the historic industrial water tower and the natural park woodland at the edge of the canal’s waterside.”

Student: Max Collins
Course: Apprenticeships Lvl 7 _Year 3

King’s Cross Social Learning Hub by Bola Lasisi-Agiri

“The King’s Cross Social Learning Hub is a smart village condensed from a plethora of spaces for the greatest possible diversity of activities, interests, and subcultures.

“The hub encourages local crafts, learning through discovery and immersive technologies, bringing the community together through inspirational enriched environments.”

Student: Bola Lasisi-Agiri
Course: Apprenticeships Lvl 7 _Year 3

Streets in the Sky by Billy Taylor

“A typology of dense high-rise living creates ‘Streets in the Sky’ enabling the densification of urban environments and expansion as demand requires across London, with homes, shops, amenities and a drone delivery network plugged into the system.”

Student: Billy Taylor
Course: Apprenticeships Lvl 7 _Year 3

Adapt or Die by Matthew Burroughs

“This project explores a solution to the housing crisis for young people whilst evoking the spirit of London’s brutalist past. It uses interchangeable construction kits designed to adapt to changes in regulations and taste.”

Student: Matthew Burroughs
Course: Apprenticeships Lvl 7 _Year 3

X-Liminal by Simon Lee

“X-Liminal is a new leisure centre that embraces the concept of liminality, using its transitional qualities to facilitate experiential activity.

“Using Parkour theories to change the hierarchy of movement, viewing, socialising and sport, maximising the socio-physical benefits.”

Student: Simon Lee
Course: Apprenticeships Lvl 7 _Year 2

Kings Cross Line – A Construction Material Recycling Centre by Gabriel Pavlides

“The project calls for the introduction of a Cyclical Economy Construction Centre over the railway tracks by St Pancras Station. The modular, ever-changing building is constructed out of recycled timber components using traditional joinery and automated fabrication techniques.

“The structure restitches the urban fabric between Kings Cross and Camden by weaving green corridors across the site and through the Research Centre.”

Student: Gabriel Pavlides
Course: Apprenticeships Lvl 7 _Year 2

Toy Town by Ieuan Evans

“Toy Town is a design-led research project focussed on the delivery of accessible, commercial infrastructure for small businesses on the site of Kings Cross, London and act as a test-bed for other central locations around the UK.

“This project research seeks to explore how modern simulation technologies can be leveraged to return practicable design information through the presentation of architectural proposals.”

Student: Ieuan Evans
Course: Apprenticeships Lvl 7 _Year 2

Partnership content

This school show is a partnership between Dezeen and Oxford Brookes University. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.

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Dezeen Showroom: designer Dániel Máto’s elongated Leaf pendant light for lighting brand Loomiosa was informed by the shape of palm leaves.

Struck by the uniqueness of the palm tree leaves he came across when traveling in Asia, Máto created the Leaf Lamp to capture their design.

Like the leaves, the Leaf Lamp is designed to evoke a different visual experience from various angles.

“The purpose of this unusual shape is to make this pendant a captivating and outstanding element of any room on its own,” said Loomiosa.

The Leaf Lamp has an elongated form that makes it suitable for high-ceilinged rooms, where its intricate design creates an atmospheric light.

The outer shade is made from glossy anodised aluminium tubes, making for a lightweight design. These are held together by a 3D-printed plastic holder.

Six different colours can be chosen for the aluminium tubes, including gold and red.

The Leaf Lamp is one of a selection of products available through French furniture and design fair Maison & Objet.

Product: Leaf Lamp
Brand: Loomiosa
Designer: Dániel Máto
Contact: assistant@s2hcommunication.com

About Dezeen Showroom: Dezeen Showroom offers an affordable space for brands to launch new products and showcase their designers and projects to Dezeen’s huge global audience. For more details email showroom@dezeen.com.

Dezeen Showroom is an example of partnership content on Dezeen. Find out more about partnership content here.

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Is there anything worse than an expensive thing that’s shoddily made?

Below, professional car detailer Jessica Tran of JT Mobile Detailing goes over the horrendous fit-and-finish of a Tesla. It’s difficult to imagine any other car manufacturer getting away with this stuff: