In this week's comments update, readers are discussing Zaha Hadid Architects' Zhuhai Jinwan Civic Art Centre on an artificial lake in China.

The centre is characterised by its four angular wings with sculptural steel canopies and its sweeping roofscape, which Zaha Hadid Architects modelled on the chevron-shaped flight formations of migratory birds in southern China.

"A metastasized Sydney Opera House" 

Some readers were unconvinced. "Too many notes," wrote Heywood Floyd.

Deep State thought "this kind of ostentatious formalism is completely out of step with the zeitgeist, and it's even worse to invoke some sort of natural inspiration".

Meanwhile, JZ likened the design to "a metastasized Sydney Opera House"

Some commenters were in favour of the design. Walter Astor felt that "the design of the building stands successfully on its own architectural and even sculptural merits". But he argued that "references to migratory birds as an influence is entirely unnecessary".

Henry wrote "wow, I'd love to visit this building". JZ, meanwhile, said that "it's going to weather like hell" but added that "the basic moves here are better than the average for ZHA".

What do you think? Join the discussion ›

"A disruptor that appears to polarise people"

Commenters were divided over the news that Tesla's long-awaited Cybertruck has been officially unveiled and is now appearing in showrooms across the USA.

Some readers, like Zeglar Fergus, thought Tesla's Cybertruck was simply "very cool".

On the other side of the argument, Apsco Radiales made their views clear, writing "Cost? Ridiculous. Range? Silly. Practicality? Non-existent. Style? Ghastly. Next...!"

Bunkermentality had safety concerns, stating "this vehicle shows the total disdain of its driver for vulnerable road users such as cyclists or pedestrians".

However, Jãnis took a step back to consider that "Cybertruck surely is a disruptor that appears to polarise people".

They continued to say "I do not need or like pick-up trucks, but find the Cybertruck cool – cannot see myself having one, but purely from a design perspective".

Cool or ghastly? Join the discussion ›

"Unreal!" 

Another project that got readers talking this week was the plans for Tencent Helix, a quartet of twisting office towers joined at the base, designed by architecture studio Büro Ole Scheeren for tech company Tencent in Shenzhen.

"Unreal!" exclaimed Ken Steffes. "Hands down the Tencent Helix is the 2023 winner," they continued.

"Chonky," wrote JZ, while Watchmen asked "object or cake?".

Meanwhile, Tim called it "a blob of a building", and Dwg thought it "might look better untwisted".

Twist again? Join the discussion ›

Comments update 

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