Comments update: Thomas Heatherwick found himself at the centre of a flurry of criticism this week, as planning documents revealed some unusual restrictions for his proposed bridge across the River Thames. «This and the Ostrich Pillow sure are sad testaments to our modern work society! renewing our fixed-term contract for the provision of romantic services?»
«Marriage isn’t a contract it’s a covenant. News that groups of eight or more people would need to apply for permission to cross Heatherwick’s Garden Bridge for London – part of the planning conditions for the scheme – had readers up in arms over the already controversial project. Read the comments on this story »
Copperfield: this copper-covered office building in China completed by British architect David Chipperfield triggered a debate about the country’s ability to deliver high-quality architecture. How and who can define a group?» asked Todd «RSJ» Womack, in one of the most popular comments of the week. «This is not a solution to what can be a serious problem,» wrote omicron. «His buildings really rely on good details and quality materials to raise the building to another level, and in China those things are very hard and expensive to do. «If people arrive separately and then serendipitously coagulate while on the structure, will they be ejected? ‘Healthy marriage’ is about selflessness, not getting what you want,» added Ben Edens, while Bob asked «how on earth did this get published?» Read the comments on this story » «My more traditional Chinese co-workers here really like David Chipperfield, but I think this building is proof of why his ideas on design don’t work so well in China,» wrote bfsa. «I can think of a few interesting activities for this,» wrote the euphemistically-named Bust a nut. I feel very sorry for anyone who feels the need for this kind of ‘retreat’,» wrote Donny. This building really looks like it could have been designed by any of the giant Chinese offices here.»
«Your comment that it could be designed by any of the giant Chinese offices there is simply unrealistic,» retorted spadestick, suggesting that local firms would be more likely to add Neo-Classical «garnishes». Good idea for those looking to change careers though.»
Some more serious-minded designers among the Dezeen readership felt the project wasn’t convincing enough. But that didn’t stop more than one from suggesting some less than work-friendly uses for the shell. I’d be curious to see how this thing patinas over time given the variety of agents that will surely be acting on it,» wrote James. Aaronbbrown pointed out that the project posed some practical problems: «The moment someone sees you wearing it, they’re going to call security and you will be escorted out of the building and unceremoniously fired for aberrant on the job behaviour. «Mies in a brown suit?
