In this week's comments update, commenters were left unimpressed by car brand Mercedes-Benz' plans for its first branded skyscraper in North America.
Created in collaboration with US studio SHoP Architects, the 67-storey skyscraper in Miami was reportedly informed by a philosophy of "sensual purity".
"Kitsch extravaganza!"
"Form is lukewarm, and the car manufacturer tie-ins are shameless," wrote Heywood Floyd.
Andrew Mistry offered a similar critique, writing "these branded developments are insane". They continued "this design in no way reflects Mercedes-Benz or any other car design".
"Kitsch extravaganza!" exclaimed Souji. "Five gigantic car grilles disguised as buildings, assembled in a Jenga-like fashion – wow, simply breathtaking," they quipped. "I can really see the purity and sensuality."
"Why can't we have nice architecture in Miami? Literally anything?" asked a dispairing Archi.
However, on the other side of the debate, Ken Steffes put forward that "the exterior silver trim detailing looks like automotive chrome and is a very effective way of introducing vehicle detailing in architecture".
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"Love the light interiors contrasted with the darkness outside"
Readers were also discussing a cabin comprised of two stacked gabled forms clad in black corrugated metal. Created by US studio Tall Architects, the X-shaped residence is located near a river in Theodore, southern Alabama.
Commenter Anion initially had some reservations, writing "I really dislike open plan and am tired of seeing it". They added "I'm also concerned about the heat from all that black metal in the deep south".
"But if one must have an open plan, this one is beautiful" they admitted. "I love the light interiors contrasted with the darkness outside – most of all I love the way this looks like an actual home," they continued.
For Jporosedi the cabin was "a straightforward design where the intersection of the bars provides both interest and orientation to the site – well done!"
Marius agreed that the "intersecting volumes work well for the interior and the site," before adding "well built, clean details."
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"Is anyone surprised?"
Also stoking plenty of debate in the comments section this week was a report by the Royal Institute of British Architects which found that 41 per cent of UK architects are now utilising artificial intelligence to carry out their projects.
"Is anyone surprised?" asked Souji. "Most projects in the last 15 years already look like they were made by machines (and for machines)."
"Now we have an accurate idea of UK firms working on Neom," commented Ivan Zhilin.
Other readers were doubtful about how many architects were really using AI. "41 per cent of designers using it?!?" asked JZ, before suggesting that "'toying with it' might be a better description."
Meanwhile, LoveYourHairHopeYouWin couldn't pass up on the opportunity for irony, asking "they prefer using AI for quicker results rather than continuing to work long hours and be underpaid?"
Is AI the future for architects? Join the discussion ›
Comments update
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