"Are malls back?" asks commenter

In this week's comments update, readers are discussing Heatherwick Studio's plans for a public square flanked by shops and offices in Prague's historic centre.

The 15,000-square-metre Savarin development will include contemporary additions as well as renovations to several of the surrounding historic buildings.

"Sad to see the lack of contextual respect"

Dezeen readers were up in arms. "I love Prague and this hurts," lamented Marius, while Melon chimed in to say "words almost fail me – poor quality design, poor flow".

"Sad to see the lack of contextual respect for the charming buildings in the neighbouring historic district," reflected The Truth. "Why is Prague allowing this visual contamination of the city?" they asked.

Isabelle Mc agreed, suggesting "what the sensitive project location needed was a thoughtful architectural solution". But instead, "what the client purchased was a brand which selfishly emphasised its own loud, brash and non-contextual look, all at the expense of the city itself."

"Is the goal to kill traditional and small businesses that give character and identity to these sorts of places?" wondered Souji.

Jim Angrabright, meanwhile, asked "are malls back?"

Do you agree with the consensus? Join the discussion ›

"Makes me think of Harry Potter's magic broom"

Commenters were also reacting to footage released of the "world's first flying superbike" by American transportation firm Volonaut.

"How to self-delete in the most expensive but dramatic way possible," warned Whateverandeveramen.

Ian Byrne also issued a word of caution, writing "just because you can, doesn't mean you should..."

For Miles Teg, it was simply "another glorified drone, sigh..."

"Blowing hot air," wrote Harry Belafonte 3rd.

However, not everyone was quite so downbeat. "This is great and makes me think of Harry Potter's magic broom," said Bernard Delage.

What do you make of it? Join the discussion ›

"It's for meatballs and nothing else"

Also providing plenty of fodder in the comments section this week was the news that Swedish designer Gustaf Westman has revealed the first piece from his upcoming IKEA collaboration – an elongated plate designed to serve and display meatballs.

"How exciting and novel!" exclaimed Karl. "The world is desperately in need of products like this."

Ned Tonic was primarily concerned that "it's for meatballs and nothing else – no space for the other party regulars like lingonberry and gravy."

Others took a more blunt view. "Of course, it had to be something juvenile and truly useless," sneered Operacreep.

Butnotreally also wasn't won over, writing "I'm looking forward to the not-so-distant day that this high-gloss, ultra-blobby design language is no longer the current fad."

Which side are you on? Join the discussion ›

Comments update

Dezeen is the world's most commented architecture and design magazine, receiving thousands of comments each month from readers. Keep up to date on the latest discussions on our comments page and subscribe to our weekly Debate newsletter, where we feature the best reader comments from stories in the last seven days.

The post "Are malls back?" asks commenter appeared first on Dezeen.