In this week's comments update, readers are debating Es Devlin's vision for the future and discussing other top stories.

As part of the Dezeen 15 digital festival celebrating Dezeen's 15h birthday, Devlin has written a manifesto in which she imagines looking back from 15 years in the future at the positive progress made since the COP26 climate conference.

"Imagine a possible future. It's 1 November 2036 and every city centre on the planet has swapped parked cars for planted trees. Every city centre has been pedestrianised and optimised for cycles," the designer wrote.

"It's 2036 and everyone's living in tents on Xanax"

Commenters are reacting. "Looking forward to seeing lawnmower races down the Avenue des Champs-Élysées," said Apsco Radiales.

Pickled Ginger continued: "It's 2036, and the handicapped are trapped in inaccessible micro-apartments on inaccessible streets."

"It's 2036 and everyone's living in tents on Xanax," added Archibro.

"No understanding of how cities work," concluded Jonathan Walsh. "Rubbish whisked away by fairies, deliveries to shops and offices are by magic, and everyone lives within a ten-minute stroll to work. It's naive wishful thinking. Bicycles don't solve the 20km commute to work because the cost of living determines where you live."

Can you imagine a world where trees replace cars? Join the discussion ›

Commenters say "people can't even handle driving in two dimensions"

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer XPeng has revealed its concept for a flying car that would also be capable of driving on the road. Readers aren't sold.

"People can't even handle driving in two dimensions," said Rustbeltbrett. "Don't give them a third."

"The high-pitched whine of flying cars and delivery drones is set to add immensely to the quality of life on Earth," added Ralph Kent.

"Exactly!" replied Alex. "When you think of the downdraft and noise that comes with most propeller or rotor-bladed vehicles, it is hard to imagine that having these flying and landing around any urban area will be anything but a huge nightmare!"

What do you think? Join the discussion ›

Readers ask why BIG's 3D-printed houses "can't just be prefabricated?"

Commenters are discussing a collaboration between construction companies ICON and Lennar with architecture studio BIG. The trio is creating a neighbourhood of 100 3D-printed houses in Austin, Texas.

"What's the point?" asked Alfred Hitchcock. "These houses could be made from timber in a factory and then delivered to the site. Quicker, more sustainable and the factories, machines, and skills already exist."

Andrea agreed: "Can't these houses just be prefabricated? I don't see the benefit of using all that concrete for small houses?"

"We're going to save the world with solid concrete single-family homes, unapologetically car-centric, in labyrinthine exurbs," concluded Food.

Are readers missing the point? Join the discussion ›

Commenter says what Insulate Britain "calls for is right" but "roadblocking is obnoxious"

Readers are commenting on an opinion piece by architect Duncan Baker-Brown for Dezeen, in which he argues that "environmental protest group Insulate Britain has caused controversy by blocking roads but its aims are correct."

"What they call for is right," agreed Justavisual, "the blocking of the roads is, however, obnoxious. And their website could use an upgrade – talking about insulating buildings but nary a diagram or infographic to show who/how/why/when/how much."

"Retrofitting existing houses and older buildings with additional insulation would be a tremendously expensive undertaking for Great Britain or for anyone," added Apsco Radiales.

Kevin replied: "The cost of doing this type of work is absolutely paltry in comparison to the cost of not doing it."

Do you support Insulate Britain's tactics? Join the discussion ›

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