Dezeen Magazine

Notre-Dame Cathedral

"Some good news at last"

In this week's comments update, readers are debating the French Senate's ruling that dictates Notre-Dame Cathedral must be built in the same style as it was before the fire.

Political rivalry: News that the French Senate has passed a bill saying Notre-Dame Cathedral must be rebuilt in its original form has relieved some readers, but not all.

"Thank goodness for that. Some good news at last," said Matthew Hardy.

"They are absolutely right," agreed Pierre Alain Varreon. "A holy historical place cannot be turned into a test bed for architecture."

This reader was also rejoicing:

Heywood Floyd wasn't convinced though: "Slippery slope, government passing bills to legislate taste."

"For real? Politicians designing a landmark church?" asked Rd. "Dezeen, you can add this to the list with the more outrageous proposals :P"

Do you think the Senate has the right to pass the bill? Join the discussion ›


Stelios Ioannou Learning Resource Centre at the University of Cyprus in Nicosia by Atelier Jean Nouvel

Over the hill: commenters are disappointed by Jean Nouvel's hill-like design for the Stelios Ioannou Learning Resource Centre at the University of Cyprus, which has been revealed in photographs by Yiorgis Yerolymbos.

"Given a choice between a hill and this 'abstract composition of a hill,' I'd take the hill," said Steve.

"The exterior looks like a travelling circus has come to town," added Chris. "While the interior resembles a Dr Evil lair."

Jon had one compliment: "Lovely interiors, but the exterior is hideous with a capital H. Looks like someone draped dirty, garish tarp on top of everything. What on Earth happened here?"

"Interior looks great," agreed Heywood Floyd. "I'm not sure about the fabric roof though. Maybe it's just the colour, but it doesn't seem to be executed as well as Rogers was doing it in the 70s and 80s."

This reader thinks the library resembles a cartoon character:

Are readers being unfairly harsh about the exterior? Join the discussion ›


Love2 House by Takeshi Hosaka in Tokyo Japan

Less is more: Love2 House, a micro home in Tokyo with a total floor area of just 19 square metres, has stolen the affections of readers.

"Brilliantly stupendously bloody good!" praised Jb. "Small is good, tiny is better. It's my favourite thing of 2019."

Arhmatic was also impressed: "This is all the space I need, thank you – I love it! A simple and honest approach."

"I love how such as small project – and the owner's lifestyle – challenge the archetypes and requisites from which my clients, colleagues and I take design decisions daily. Thank you," added Sebastian.

One commenter couldn't find the words:

"This answers the riddle first posed almost sixty years ago," concluded Perpendicular Bisector. "How can it be that Fred and Wilma Flintstone's home is small outside but seemingly infinite inside? Kudos, respect!"

Are you in love too? Join the discussion ›


UK architecture practices declare climate and biodiversity emergency

Icy reception: Zaha Hadid Architects, David Chipperfield Architects and Foster + Partners are calling on all UK architects to adopt a "shift in behaviour" over climate change, dividing readers.

"I have been banging on about this for at least twenty five years, but I am glad some headline architects are raising the profile of this increasingly urgent matter," said Christopher.

This reader was thrilled too:

Takki had a question though: "So these hypocrites will stop designing tower blocks, the most wasteful building type known to man, altogether?"

"Adaptive reuse, heritage preservation, minimum 50 year lifespan, as many local materials as possible, super insulation and passive heating and cooling – these things are not new and are all relatively easy to implement. Stop talking, start doing," added Benny.

Liam had another suggestion: "We should stop demolishing buildings less than 50 years old (like Welbeck Street car park) to make way for hotels."

Do you think a shift in behaviour is enough? Join the discussion ›