Commenter calls kinetic pavilion "a breath of fresh air"

In this week's comments update, readers are discussing a pavilion sheltered with a canopy of leaf-like sails in China by local practice GN Architects.

The Seaside Pavilion, which is perched on a former 1960s cargo pier on the island of Chaishan, was designed to sway in the wind.

"One of the best pavilions I've seen, so beautifully light"

Several Dezeen readers were won over, with Harry Belafonte 3rd branding it "spectacular" and Zeglar Fergus calling it "beautiful".

Northern Norm described The Seaside Pavilion as "one of the best pavilions I've seen, so beautifully light", while Jimmyjon thought it was "a breath of fresh air".

Meanwhile, APG was unsure about the structure's durability, jibing "please show photos after the first storm!!"

Mauricio Miranda-Alvarez shared these concerns, writing "yes, the structure looks light and visually striking – but clearly vulnerable in the face of a serious storm."

They went on to caution "what truly gets me thinking, though, is our compulsive need to impose ourselves on space that ought to be left untouched."

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"Great design makes it look easy"

Also on commenters' agendas this week was the renovation and expansion of The Frick Collection of art in New York by Selldorf Architects.

"Do not be fooled: achieving this result is nothing less than a daring feat, only possible by architects who master the delicate balance between sophistication and simplicity," commended Nobunaga.

They continued to say "projects like this embody quiet luxury, something we need much more in today's world (especially in the US)".

Design Junkie also expressed their approval: "it takes a deft hand and experience to make something look like it should be there". They added "great design makes it look easy."

In the same boat was JZ, writing "feels like a respectful, do-no-harm intervention". They praised it as "well-proportioned, quietly ornamented quality materials (and, it appears, workmanship)".

However, others weren't so convinced. Davvid questioned "look at the news staircase – is that actually beautiful? Doesn't it look cramped and overly decorated?". They argued "I don't see this as 'sensitive' – I see it as conspicuously awkward."

Catherine Tolmie echoed this sentiment: "the staircase looks somewhat obtrusive to me."

Which camp are you in? Join the discussion ›

"I like the concept – not sure about the execution"

Also stoking plenty of discussion in the comments section this week was a skyscraper with a tiered, masonry facade under construction in Manhattan, designed by Robert A M Stern Architects.

"Hard to figure out what Stern was trying to do here," mused Frank. "Really quite a forgettable building," they concluded.

For Takeyo Vitamins, the "arch thing in the middle looks dumb." They suggested that "Louis Sullivan figured this out already – you need a top, middle and bottom, that's it, and you have a good building everybody will like."

Nikofreako was slightly more positive, suggesting "I like the concept – not sure about the execution".

Kelly Shannon thought "the design is imperfect, with warranted criticism, but it will likely maintain a more timeless appeal than many things being built today."

Karl, meanwhile, put forward "I like it, especially the ostensively 'awkward' moments."

Forgettable or timeless? Join the discussion ›

Comments update

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