In this week's comments update, readers are discussing drone footage that has revealed The Line megacity is under construction in Saudi Arabia.
Comments exploded underneath last week's story showing drone footage of work beginning on The Line megacity in Saudi Arabia.
In the video, numerous excavators can be seen digging a wide linear trench in the desert. Within the trench, foundations for The Line, which is planned to be 170 kilometres long and part of the Neom development in Saudi Arabia, are expected to be built.
"Wait, this wasn't a joke?"
Many commenters hadn't realised that The Line was actually being built.
LoveYourHairHopeYouWin asked: "Wait, this wasn't a joke?"
Rickboxer observed that "beginning a project (especially of this size) is a far, far cry from thinking it will ever be completed (as envisioned), or even partially done. Anyone remember the latest drone pictures of Jeddah Tower?!".
Rory Lindsay echoed the sentiment, saying: "This is so obviously, abominably idiotic and wasteful and against the laws of nature, completely unsustainable that no doubt the Saudis will press ahead with it, full speed, then discard when it inevitably fails".
Readers were also concerned about the environmental impact of the project.
Thinkagain argued: "This project is of such scale, it needs international scrutiny and approval of its environmental claims – primarily in the build, notwithstanding its future sustainability and livability".
Jack Woodburn joked: "I wonder what a couple of dust or sand storms, sometimes called a haboob, would do to the progress of the digging of that trench ... again and again and again."
How do you feel about construction starting on The Line? Join the discussion ›
"Supertall in one aspect, short and fat in the other"
Commenters reacted to Foster + Partners' completion of a supertall skyscraper in New York City, which is part of the Hudson Yards development in Midtown Manhattan.
The 78-storey skyscraper is considered supertall – a designation given to buildings that are between 300 and 600 metres tall – and takes up a full block between 34th Street and 33rd Street on the east side of the Hudson Yards complex.
Alfred Hitchcock asked how it can be "supertall in one aspect, while being short and fat in the other? The proportions of the tower are beyond ridiculous".
HP countered: "Aren't the proportions of the tower a result of the site and zoning?" Meanwhile, Z-dog wondered "do all Foster buildings need to be groundbreaking work?".
Tom Roberts was adamant it's "a real nothing of a building".
Foster's latest is "another case of 'good from afar, but far from good'", said Raymond.
However, Romeo Reyes thought it "just happens to be a pared-down creation by Lord Foster, but it may still exude some sense of wonder".
What do you think of Foster + Partners' supertall skyscraper at Hudson Yards? Join the discussion ›
"I remember when Rolls-Royce was the epitome of restraint and elegance"
Rolls-Royce has unveiled its first all-electric car, the Spectre coupe, as the luxury brand promises to go fully electric by 2030.
Rolls-Royce CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös described the two-door coupe as being "the most perfect product that Rolls-Royce has ever produced," but readers weren't sure they agreed.
"I remember when Rolls was the epitome of restraint and elegance," said Alan Smith.
Apsco Radiales wasn't convinced by the electric arguments, saying: "The battery range is highly, highly optimistic".
Tom Roberts thought the design featured a "clunky front, vulgar interior".
"The interior looks like an igloo cooler from the 90s," said Lucas Lyons.
"Wonderful to see car manufacturers committing to electrification. A positive step forward for the planet", said the more optimistic Suella D'Bravill.
Do you think luxury electric cars are the future? Join the discussion ›
"Really insulting to Japanese lanterns"
Tokyo-based architecture studio OSO has completed Deloitte Summit, a skyscraper in Vancouver with stacked protruding boxes that resemble a set of lanterns.
The 24-storey tower was constructed using a series of steel-framed cubes stacked on top of each other to create a sculptural effect. Commenters had their own thoughts on the success of the project.
Muckers270 found the scheme "spectacularly ugly", while Tom was prompted to reflect that "modern architecture is dire".
It "already looks dated", said Zea Newland.
Archi left the popular comment: "This is really insulting to Japanese lanterns".
What do you think of this Japanese-lantern-inspired design? Join the discussion ›
Comments update
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