"Our 'throw-away' culture exemplified" says commenter

In this week's comments update, readers are discussing the news that Salford City Council has approved the demolition of the University of Salford's Centenary Building, which won the first-ever RIBA Stirling Prize.

The university building is set to be razed as part of a major redevelopment project, despite efforts by campaigners and conservationist group Twentieth Century Society to get the building listed.

"If it was so great then why wasn't it listed sooner?"

Several commenters were quick to question the verdict to demolish the building.

"Embodied energy down the drain," wrote JZ, while Jack Woodburn called it "our 'throw-away' culture exemplified".

Also challenging the decision was Weetbix, saying "I don't care much about the heritage value in this context, what baffles me is that a building in this day and age can still be demolished after just 30 years".

Henry wasn't a fan of the design but couldn't see the justification for demolition. "It looks like a 90s Porsche showroom," he wrote, but argued, "nevertheless, it seems shortsighted and irresponsible to demolish it".

However, on the other side of the coin, Heywood Floyd questioned the efforts to save the Centenary Building. "This rush to list buildings that are threatened with demolition is comical" they suggested before asking "if it was so great then why wasn't it listed sooner?"

Have you had your say? Join the discussion ›

"So brave of them"

Dezeen readers also reacted to Walmart's updated brand identity and logo, with the wordmark, 'spark' motif and palette kept largely similar.

"Yah to the punchy colours!" exclaimed Henry. "May this spell the end of pastels and chalkiness, for now".

For Dik Coates, the revised logo was "a little more impressive" than the previous edition.

Other commenters couldn't pass up on the opportunity for irony. "I don't know if the customer is going to be able to handle this change," quipped Dan M. Commenter JZ also chimed in to say "so brave of them".

"Walmart, you have outdone yourself!" added Devin du Plessis. "So glad the refresh didn't pass me by".

What's your take on the Walmart rebrand? Join the discussion ›

"Very posh Center Parks chalet"

Readers struggled to make their minds up about a woodland house near Buenos Aires made of concrete with a sloping garden roof.

"Relatively simple and unoriginal – but I'd love to live in it," decided Duckusucker.

For Chauncey Mabe, it was "too big, but otherwise excellent". They went on to say "I love the way it disappears into the landscape while allowing access to the outside and vice-versa".

Meanwhile, Jim Biggin likened the dwelling to a "very posh Center Parcs chalet".

Are you a fan of the woodland retreat? Join the discussion ›

Comments Update

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 and subscribe to our weekly Debate newsletter, where we feature the best reader comments from stories in the last seven days.

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