Kéré Architecture's Munich kindergarten sparks reader debate

Readers of Dezeen are actively discussing Kéré Architecture's Kinderoase an der TUM, a weathered steel-clad kindergarten on the campus of the Technical University of Munich. The three-storey vertical playground serves as an on-site childcare facility for young professionals. Commenters are divided: Jacob Volanski praised the interiors and massing but criticized the use of weathered steel as inappropriate for nurturing children. JZ questioned whether the design truly embodies play. Jb argued that architecture should have been prioritized over play. In contrast, HL defended the project, noting it doesn't need to signal 'kindergarten' from the outside. Jim Angrabright and Chris D expressed enthusiasm, with Chris D calling the slides a 'stairway to heaven.' Separately, readers also debated BIG's circular Dymak headquarters in Odense, Denmark, with Z-dog and JZ praising its clarity, while Colin MacGillivray admired the craftsmanship but noted the expense. Ricky Sambora criticized BIG for creating problems only they can solve. Snøhetta's Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in North Dakota received widespread approval, with AMD500 calling it 'beautiful world-class architecture' and Design Junkie praising the rammed earth walls. Jack Woodburn compared it favorably to the Obama library, and Robin commended its sustainable materials and landscape integration.