In this week's comments update, readers are discussing the news that Saudi mega-development Neom has unveiled plans for a coastal town on the Gulf of Aqaba.

Called Norlana, the town will be designed by architecture studio 10 Design for 3,000 residents in the northwest of Saudi Arabia as part of a wider cluster of Neom developments.

"No one has 'designed' anything here"

Commenters reacted to the latest plans added to the Neom development. "This is the dystopian future we've all been warned about," cautioned Tadeusz Szewczyk (Tad Chef).

Tom Roberts was also concerned, writing "I have to ask if anyone would really want to live in these desolate locations". They added, "there is no sense of community, only isolation".

Meanwhile, Alfred Hitchcock deduced that the whole thing was "gibberish – no one has 'designed' anything here".

Adding some nuance to the comments section, Rob Rohena acknowledged that the design was "cool and imaginative – feels like a Star Wars set." However, continued to say "feasible...? I guess anything is possible with enough money and human rights violations".

Do you agree? Join the discussion ›

"Genuis, bravo!" 

Readers had mixed opinions about Design Acadamy Eindhoven graduate Yoojin Chung's project Capturing Qi.

Chung's project pokes fun at the western approach to feng shui with a trio of digital devices that offer a quick fix to positive qi.

Some readers were full of praise for the project. "Genuis, bravo!" exclaimed Tim Kennedy. This sentiment was echoed by Marius who wrote "love it, bravo Yoojin".

However, not all readers were convinced. "Please tell me this is a joke, it's too early in the year for peak silliness," commented Mark Gibbs.

Ken Steffes also wasn't a fan and felt that "these man-made devices are a visual distraction from nature and the natural environment".

Genuis or silly? Join the discussion ›

"Is there any end to the sheer naffness and tack?" 

Also sparking debate in the comments section this week was the news that Mercedes-Benz and developer Binghatti have revealed plans for a supertall skyscraper in central Dubai.

The car company's first branded residential tower will reportedly be 341 metres high and close to the Burj Khalifa.

Commenters were unanimous in their reactions to the skyscraper, calling it "crass" and "naff".

In a comment that was upvoted seven times, Chris Rogers joked "Dubai-based developer Binghatti...more like BLINGhatti".

Asif Farooqui was unimpressed and called the project "crass on every level". Ralph Kent was in the same boat, asking "is there any end to the sheer naffness and tack?".

Apsco Radiales advised Mercedes that they should "stick to making cars" and Ken Robertson was despairing begging "please, please stop!".

Should Mercedes stay in their lane? Join the discussion ›

Comments Update

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