Comments update: Swiss architect Peter Zumthor divided opinion this week with his claims that handmade architecture is experiencing a resurgence, and that computers are simply slaves. Read on for more about this and explore our comments page to keep up with the latest discussions.

Craftwork: speaking to Dezeen at the Venice Architecture Biennale, Zumthor said it was a myth that traditional forms of construction are being replaced by digital processes. His view wasn't shared by everybody.
"Zumthor practices in a country where build quality is guaranteed," said a guest commenter championing digital processes such as 3D printing and robotic fabrication, "but for anywhere other than Switzerland and Japan the future is modular." But Zumthor's supporters claimed digital construction processes could have a serious and harmful impact on society.
"Can you provide an alternative job for the millions of construction workers that will lose their means of sustenance when 'progression' takes its place"" asked a commenter calling themselves guisforyou. "All ecologies have their essential parts. Once you destroy a cycle, chaos and death are usually the end product."
"There are few industries where jobs are not lost, or at least 'shifted', because of technology," replied Derek Elliot. "It's a difficult question to answer but the answer is definitely not to attempt to combat or slow the progression of technology." ...