In this week's comments update, readers are debating Norman Foster's meeting with the mayor of Kharkiv to discuss the rebuilding of the Ukrainian city and discussing other top stories.

British architect Norman Foster met Kharkiv's mayor Ihor Terekhov in Geneva to discuss the "rehabilitation of the city" following extensive damage suffered during the Russian invasion.

"I undertake to assemble the best minds with the best planning, architectural, design, and engineering skills in the world to bear on the rebirth of the city of Kharkiv," said Foster.

"Peace first, then basic infrastructure"

Readers are divided. "Hats off to Norman Foster," said Sacrecoeur. "I hope many others follow suit."

Ken Steffes agreed: "Good forward-thinking. Save whatever history remains and then build to suit the needs of society. Peace first, then basic infrastructure."

"Hiring Ukrainian architects to rebuild Ukraine would be nice," said Jacapo on the other hand.

Jeni Lennox shared the sentiment: "It's good to see the big names getting involved, but I agree that the direction needs to come from the Ukrainian folks. We are all talking big from a safe distance – these incredible people have more gumption than the rest of us put together. We should be humble and offer the help they ask for, not direct their future."

What do you think? Join the discussion ›

Reader says an "actual tree would be better" than Thomas Heatherwick sculpture

As part of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee weekend celebrations, Thomas Heatherwick is creating a sculpture containing 350 types of trees found in Britain at Buckingham Palace. Commenters aren't sold.

"Wouldn't a permanent actual tree be better?" said Patrick Stimpson. "In every way possible!"

Miles Teg agreed: "Cutting trees down, stacking them up, putting trees in horrible aluminum pots to make a... tree. Ironically silly."

"Heatherwick should stop putting trees in pots and then sticking them on structures," concluded Steve Leo.

Are you impressed by the Tree of Trees sculpture? Join the discussion ›

Commenter thinks urban airport doesn't "have much margin for error"

Readers aren't convinced by Urban-Air Port's design for "the world-first fully-operational 'pop up' urban airport" and charging hub for electric flying cars and large drones.

"Not much margin for error," said DD. "Poor pilot dropping down into a hole that's barely wider than the vehicle."

Speed continued: "This 'urban airport' appears to have a capacity of one – one flying car or drone. Sort of like a parking lot for one car or a one-car garage. Not a very efficient use of expensive urban land."

"I appreciate the 1960s optimism," replied Zea Newland, "but is this a smart move? Wouldn't you first need legislation and designated safe corridors for flying cars? They may have a future in theme parks or places that prefer luxury and gimmick over practicality and efficiency."

Are commenters missing the point? Join the discussion ›

Reader says "they don't make 'em like this anymore" about John Outram buildings

Commenters are discussing postmodern architect John Outram's bright and colourful buildings, including the "Temple of Storms" pumping station, as chosen by the author of his biography, Geraint Franklin.

"They don't make 'em like this anymore," said Heywood Floyd. "Thankfully."

Bras Cubas replied: "I don't like Pomo, but wow, those guys had a funky mindset way different from today's."

"Designers could take a lot away from his work if they could change it all to grey and white," concluded JB.

What do you think of the postmodern buildings? Join the discussion ›

Comments update

Dezeen is the world's most commented architecture and design magazine, receiving thousands of comments each month from readers. Keep up to date on the latest discussions on our comments page.