The latest edition of our Dezeen Debate newsletter features the reveal of Tadao Ando's plans for a concrete arts centre in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. Subscribe to Dezeen Debate now.

Japanese architect Ando has designed Il Teatro at Aljada, a cylindrical performing arts centre for Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.

The building will measure 24,155 square meters and contain a 2,000-seat auditorium, a boutique restaurant, and a gallery. It will also have space to host a variety of shows, including theatre performances, operas, dances, art exhibitions, festivals and films.

Readers flocked to the comments to share their thoughts. One praised the architect's "remarkable vision" and noted that it "will be an interesting architecture when completed". Another wasn't as keen, saying: "his early work was so much better".

Other stories in this week's newsletter that fired up the comments section included another Ando design, his MPavilion in Melbourne, Australia, a playschool and apartment in East London designed by Sam Jacob Studio and a fibreglass-like chair made from sheep fleeces by UK-based company Solidwool.

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Dezeen Debate is sent every Thursday and features a selection of the best reader comments and most talked-about stories. Read the latest edition of Dezeen Debate or subscribe here.

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