In this week's comments update, readers are discussing an interview with 2023 AIA Gold Medal winner Carol Ross Barney, who argues skyscrapers are "just not that valuable".
Barney, who runs Chicago studio Ross Barney Architects, said that investing in undervalued infrastructure, rethinking density and continuing to open up the architecture field to women and minorities are essential for rethinking cities for the 21st century.
Dezeen commenters were quick to debate urban planning and the built environment.
Skyscrapers "just not that valuable" says Carol Ross Barney
"Skyscrapers are just architectural grandstanding"
Jb concurred with Ross Barney's assessment. "Well said. Say it again. Keep saying it," they commented. But Not my Nimby disagreed, saying: "High density is more sustainable and more economical, and that is truly more equitable."
"Skyscrapers are just architectural grandstanding and don't serve those who must live and work in and around them well," contested George Panagos.
Prado Sellinder thinks that "mixed use, low to mid-rise but still high density urbanism is so much more interesting as part of the urban fabric".
"Suburban sprawl is a much worse problem than skyscrapers," they added.
Whateverandeveramen thinks that "carefully choreographed densification of the suburb is essential for the success and vitality of cities in the next fifty years".
High-rise or urban sprawl"...