In this week's comments update, readers are critical of Zaha Hadid Architects' recently revealed designs for a housing development.
Curve appeal: readers were disappointed with plans by Zaha Hadid Architects that have been unveiled for a housing development in Bristol, comprising 550 homes.
"Compellingly awful", offered a concise Princenitram.
An equally unimpressed Doesil said: "No imagination. Just another set of 60s bricks on end. Where are the Hadid signature curves?"
Some readers, including Arc, had emotional responses to the scheme, fearing how it would affect the city: "Every firm has a B team, and bread and butter projects, to pay the rent. Sad that a city I love is getting stuck with these. Especially a city so filled with great engineering wonders by Brunel."
"And so Zaha's legacy slowly fades into the history books," mourned Conor Austin Jesse Sass.
One particularly disgruntled reader agreed:
What do you think of the plans? Join the discussion ›
Fake news: Sean Griffiths claimed that architects have an obsession with fake meanings, following the unveiling of Stephen Holl's design for University College Dublin's campus, and not everyone shares the sentiment.
"Holl's reference is undoubtedly clumsy and inappropriate, but I don't think it speaks for architectural metaphors as a whole," argued Blaeh.
Romanhans asked: "Is it just a loss of confidence in architecture to speak for itself? I think it is. Some architects need an explanation to fall back on."
A less forgiving Wax Wing added: "Narrative helps clients and the public come along with you on the process. This time it failed."
Some readers, including Apsco Radiales, agreed with Griffiths: "Why not just come out and say, 'I just thought the shape and the mass looked right, and it serves the purpose. No hidden meanings, no hidden agenda, I just liked it.'"
As did this commenter:
Are architects obsessed with metaphors? Join the discussion ›
Hunger games:Â The Sweet Proposal: A Cautionary Tale of The Corporate City, by Bartlett graduate Elliott Bishop, imagines York as if it were functioning as a private and politically autonomous economic zone owned by Nestle, and it divided readers.
"What a wonderful idea. Corporations are much better run than governments. I wouldn't mind my town being run by Nestle," said Jp Floru in approval.
A less celebratory Clichy added: "Great graphics, zero architecture."
"It must feel great to create such a detailed world within graphics," added a complimentary Fabian Z.
Arc was also impressed by Bishop's talent: "Wonderful illustrations – I kept zooming in to all the surprising detail."
Other readers though, felt that the graduate's skills were better suited elsewhere:
Would you like to reside in a Nestle-owned city? Join the discussion ›
Toy story: Los Angeles-based art director Yusong Zhang built himself a coffee table using over 10,000 Lego bricks, and readers like it.
"Pretty sweet. This table transcends the toy factor in so many other lego creations. Lego rules!" said Arc in praise.
Steve Hassler was also inspired: "I've been wondering what to make with the tubs of Lego my kids have been gathering over the years. I'll definitely be trying something similar."
However, other readers questioned the functionality of the table, including Guisforyou: "Are you going to clean the coffee that spills into the seams of the block, or is this table a 'work of art' rather than a table?"
One reader was concerned about an age old problem:
Practical Lego table or Lego art? Join the discussion ›