"More gold leaf needed" says commenter

In this week's comments update, readers are discussing the updated plans for US President Donald Trump's triumphal arch in Washington DC.

Designed by architecture studio Harrison Design, plans for the arch were first proposed in October 2025 to mark the United States' 250th anniversary. It would be located across the Potomac River from the Lincoln Memorial.

US President Triumphal Arch DC plans, Dezeen comments update — Trump officials release designs of triumphal arch in Washington, DC

"What on earth is that hideous fairy on the top?"

Commenters were largely on the same page when expressing their exasperation with the project.

"The quality of the renders, haha," wrote Stevo, "a reflection of the compromised quality that occurs when reputable professionals decline a project."

Time 2 Resist was similarly unimpressed. "Not really difficult to critique," he said. "It sucks. Obviously client-driven."

A couple of readers approached the project with humour. "The winged angel should be swapped out for a statue of Trump," wrote Onlythelonely. "Also, more gold leaf needed. Otherwise 10/10."

Andrew Aldrich said, "It belongs in Las Vegas (if anywhere)," which was countered by Time 2 Resist who argued, "Atlantic City. Vegas' poorer (bankrupt) cousin."

For Gardner A Cadwalader, such a monument should really be used as a chance to inspire. "Let us, Mr President, embrace this opportunity to design something uniquely creative for our country."

Michael Wigle agreed, saying "I think it's a missed opportunity to once again change the form of a triumphal arch and give it new life."

"It does seem a design oversight that this lumpen monstrosity wasn't entirely smothered in glitzy gold," said Guy Wilkins. "What on earth is that hideous fairy on the top?"

Have you had your say? Join the discussion ›

West London extension with arches and columns, Dezeen comments update — Goldstein Heather doubles London home's footprint with four-storey extension

"Highly considered and highly coordinated"

Another project that caused a stir in the comments this week was the extension of a Victorian terrace house in London by architecture studio Goldstein Heather.

For some readers this project was faultless. "Just really good isn't it," wrote Robert California. "Exquisite," Jess agreed.

Some were less convinced, however. Jan wrote, "I sort of liked it…" while Jim Angrabright said, "Very nice, although the zigzagging is a bit much."

Other commenters offered a more blunt view. David Chase Martin wrote, "Contextually abysmal," while Karl called it, "Awkward and immature."

For Winterberg, the project was "A successful example illustrating how great effort and meticulous craftsmanship can produce total boredom."

Some were more measured in their assessment. "Overall, it's a highly considered and highly coordinated yet curious response to context," said Jb.

What's your take? Join the discussion ›

French co-living ship building, Dezeen comments update — Vatea apartment block resembles "ship set along the riverbank" in France

"I could feel like the king of the world on that deck"

Also on readers' radars this week was a riverside apartment block in France that draws reference from a ship's design. Completed by local studio Nicolas Laisné Architectes, the building provides 20 individual and co-living apartments targeted at students and young professionals.

The project received overwhelmingly positive feedback from commenters, with Dopamine11111 writing, "Cool," while Heywood Floyd called it, "Refreshing."

Just as enthusiastic, Ben said, "this is gorgeous!", and Karl deemed it "an exceptionally well done project."

The ship-like design prompted JZ to joke, "Damn nice housing for students and young professionals. I could feel like the king of the world on that deck."

But not all readers were as keen. "As aesthetically captivating as it may be, from an urban planning perspective, this ivory tower gesture is a sheer outrage," said Winterberg.

"Buildings as ships are the worst metaphors," wrote Cruise Hater. "But if this is the intent, it must have an expansive buffet full of old fat people elbowing each other for a plate full of prime rib."

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.

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