"April 1st already?" asks commenter

In this week's comments update, readers are discussing plans for a 100-metre-tall structure comprised of cascading pool terraces in Dubai.

Designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro, the structure will have various terraces partly covered by a transparent facade, intended to provide a relaxing retreat from the city.

"Nothing says wellness and relaxation like overlooking 16 lanes of traffic"

Some commenters were in disbelief. "April 1st already?" asked LNDCNTMPRY, while JZ put forward that "this is some serious B-grade, sci-fi pulp paperback cover art!"

"The structure openly mocks the laws of nature while branding itself as symbiotic with the natural world – it's almost insulting," determined Jacob Volanski.

Other commenters couldn't resist the opportunity for irony. "It's calming, he shrieked," wrote Joseph Asghar.

"Nothing says wellness and relaxation like overlooking 16 lanes of traffic – incredible..." wrote Tom H in a comment that was upvoted 16 times.

What do you make of it? Join the discussion ›

"London needs better"

Dezeen readers were largely unimpressed by Foster + Partners' design for a pair of residential skyscrapers and an office tower overlooking the Thames in London.

For Rupert Pitt, it represented "more out-of-scale mega towers, with no design or craft". They argued that "London has too many of these already" and that "planning permission should not be given".

"It's just very boring could-be-anywhere architecture," said Dwg.

Commenter Whateverandeveramen was similarly unphased and wrote "snooze – London needs better". They hoped "with luck they will be rejected".

However, on the other side of the debate, commenter Whatever works felt the studio should be given free rein. "Gimme a F break! You should give them London to play as they want," they argued.

What are your thoughts on the latest proposals for London's skyline? Join the discussion ›

"Creepy – I don't see any point in de-humanising a very human activity"

Commenters also reacted to the news that Japanese researchers have used a nimble robotic hand exoskeleton to train expert pianists to improve their performance by helping them play faster.

"A fine idea – right up until the moment it malfunctions and breaks all your fingers," cautioned Whateverandeveramen.

David Foster also had their reservations, calling it "creepy" and saying "I don't see any point in de-humanising a very human activity".

"If a machine moves your fingers faster it doesn't teach you to move them faster yourself" reflected Baju-baju.

Heywood Floyd acknowledged the design as "very interesting" but asked "does faster necessarily mean better?"

Have you had your say? Join the discussion ›

Comments Update

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