Hasta La Ideas

In this week’s comments update, readers are discussing the viability of an offshore wind power generator and sharing their views on other top stories.

Norwegian company Wind Catching Systems is developing a floating 300-metre-high structure, which it claims will be able to renewably power 80,000 homes without increasing power bills.

Readers have practical concerns about the wind power generator, starting with worries about wildlife.

“Wind farm? You mean giant bird chopper,” said SalamOOn.

Matt G agreed: “The most efficient bird killing machine ever conceived.”

“Need to put up warning signs so birds stay away,” Jrj90620 joked.

Others are feeling cautiously optimistic. “I think we all want to love renewable energy solutions,” said SR, diplomatically. “That said, I feel like there are more questions with this proposal than the write-up has covered to help it make sense.”

“Interesting concept, which we should hope works well as planned,” concluded Mr J.

Are commenters right to question the practically of the Windcatcher? Join the discussion ›

Commenter says “the skepticism alarms are blaring pretty loud right now”

The news about a housing design company founded by architect Bjarke Ingels, former WeWork executive Roni Bahar and former Sidewalk Labs model-lab head Nick Chim is one of our most-commented stories this week.

While some readers support the concept of offering residents the opportunity to co-design spaces tailored to their needs, many are disenchanted with Ingels and his approach.

“Would be great to learn more about this but the skepticism alarms are blaring pretty loud right now,” began Onshay. “While the move to make homeownership more affordable is totally admirable, the claim that ’99 per cent of homes are the same’ is just untrue.”

“Oh yeah, because mass manufacturing will end land speculation,” pointed out Christian Kennedy.

Puzzello felt the idea has been done before. “Nothing new and theoretical announced here that hasn’t been questioned or executed already in this industry,” they said.

“Here’s a thought: make the comments the subject of the article – they are much more intelligent than the article itself,” suggested al otero, RA, earning a mention in this week’s comments update.

Will Ingels’ company bring something new to the market? Join the discussion ›

Reader dubs skyscraper farm a “publicity stunt”

Commenters are unconvinced of the viability of Carlo Ratti Associati’s plans to build a skyscraper in China that will serve as both a vertical hydroponic farm and a space to sell the farm’s produce.

“You don’t see many vertical factories in central skyscrapers…nothing is different with plants,” said Lukas_Arvidsson. “Looks more like a publicity stunt.”

To which, Don_bronkema argued: “Growing in situ is more efficient”.

“Now that’s what I call greenwashing, quite literally,” said Alfred Hitchcock.

Is Carlo Ratti Associati’s hydroponic “farmscraper” an unsustainable proposal? Join the discussion ›

A plant-covered house in Tokyo has reminded readers of why they love architecture. Japanese studio Kiyoaki Takeda Architects designed the home to feature vaulted slabs filled with soil for growing plants.

“Archi not dead! This project definitely made my day!” said Bras cubas.

“This is what architecture is all about – the purity of a good concept, followed through with no compromises,” agreed Woop Woop. “Very happy to witness this.”

Bsl has a request: “Would love to see a high-rise built like this,” they said.

Is the Tsuruoka House deserving of commenters’ praise? 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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