Dezeen Magazine

"Good taste has nothing to do with sexism"

Comments update: is this image sexist? Photos of model in an Australian house prompted a discussion on the way women are represented in architecture. Read more on this and more lively comment threads on Dezeen.

Model behaviour: one reader was quick to pass judgement on the decision to feature a woman in the photography for Concrete House, a family home in Melbourne.

"If anyone's in doubt about sexism in architecture, the endless succession of male architects using women as ornamental props should clear things up," wrote Aaron.

But others felt he was overreacting. "Good taste has nothing to do with sexism," responded Concerned Citizen.

The woman turned out to be one of the architects that worked on the project, who stepped into the debate. "I'm proud to be part of the shoot and had a lot of fun with it," wrote AngelaRead the comments on this story »


Portrait of Alvaro Siza, who is planning his first US project, a luxury tower in Manhattan

Siza's tower: Dezeen revealed details of the first US project by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Álvaro Siza this week. But some readers were surprised to hear that the Portuguese architect, who told Dezeen in an interview that "emotion is very important in architecture," would be creating a luxury condominium tower in Manhattan.

"Creating more spaces that nobody can afford to enjoy," wrote Mia Tsiamis. "Let's create more architecture for the many!"

"Architecture IS enjoyed by all," responded regular commenter The Liberty Disciple. "The private spaces must interface with the public. In order to pay the outrageous fees and bureaucracy of building codes, you must have money."

"I wanted to write that with his age, esteem and money he could have refused and made a fine statement," added Carl. "But even if he did, it wouldn't make the news and he has an office to feed." Read the comments on this story »


Cornell-Tech-by-Morphosis-Handel-Weiss-Manfredi_dezeen_sqa

B minus: Work began this week on New York's "School of Genius", which aims to boost the city's burgeoning tech industry with a dedicated university campus on Roosevelt Island. Despite featuring buildings designed by US architecture firms Morphosis, Handel Architects, and Weiss/Manfredi, many readers were underwhelmed.

"The design of the buildings doesn't reflect the ambition of the project," wrote Durgen Jensen.

"The location is amazing but the buildings are underwhelming," agreed Jonathan Tuffin.

But others were more forgiving. "Perhaps they reflect the reality of the budget," offered Jeremy BrunelRead the comments on this story »


Serpentine Gallery Pavilion by SelgasCano

Tunnel vision: Images of this year's colourful plastic Serpentine Pavilion, designed by Spanish architects SelgasCano, didn't find many fans among commenters. Some wondered if there was still potential in the gallery's annual pavilion commission after 15 years.

"Do we need another Serpentine Pavilion?" asked André Romitelli"Seems like we'll have to wait to see it in person before judging," wrote N_1010.

But Gunnar Burke was in no doubt about his feelings for the structure: "It's beautiful, unique, and phenomenological." Read the comments on this story »