"I can't imagine living in a dwelling with no windows" says commenter

In this week's comments update, readers are discussing a house wrapped in a windowless steel facade in Seoul.

Designed by South Korean studio Atelier Itc, Bomun House was steel facade to prevent it being overlooked from neighbouring buildings on the narrow residential street.

"Worse than most prison cells"

Readers weren't won over by the project. "It looks out of place and 'wrinkle tin' is a terrible material to use for a building envelope," argued Dik Coates.

Jack Woodburn was similarly scathing, writing "I can't imagine living in a dwelling with no windows," before calling it "worse than most prison cells."

"I wonder if the glare from the sun will be an issue for the neighbours," reflected Arch.

HeywoodFloyd was more balanced in their assessment, proposing that "at first glance this is terrible, but when you look at the context it somehow isn't as bad – those narrow streets and tall brick apartment buildings seem oppressive".

On the same page was Tom Roberts, who said "it does stand out" and "given the dismal buildings on either side, that certainly is a plus".

Could you see yourself living in Bomun House? Join the discussion ›

"I prefer the ghosts"

Dezeen readers reacted to the news that Transport for London has installed silhouette-shaped posters behind platform benches on the Elizabeth line to cover up "ghost marks" – stains left behind by passengers leaning on the stations' white walls.

Some commenters criticised the original design. "It seems like a bit of an oversight when selecting the finishes in the first place," suggested The Discreet Architect.

AlfredHitchcock agreed, writing "a wipe-clean or stain-resistant finish should have been specified in the first place".

Others weren't sure about the latest additions. "I prefer the ghost marks," put forward Design Critic, arguing that "they show the presence of human of human activity in an otherwise sterile environment".

However, other readers took a more positive view, with Michele Cloghesy arguing that "for an unforeseen issue, I think it is elegant and fun".

What do you make of it? Join the discussion ›

"Beautiful and well-considered project"

One story that commenters could agree on this week was a New York townhouse renovated by Light and Air Architecture with a central void that allows natural light to reach all the interior spaces.

JZ called it "elegant and well appointed". Meanwhile, commenter Hahahahachu deemed it to be the "brownstone reno of my dream!"

Also in favour of the interior was Mark Zudini, who called it a "beautiful and well considered project". "Love it," they added.

Miles Teg concurred, calling it "a very peaceful project" and went on to say "I can see that ta lot of thought and care went into this."

Do you agree? 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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