"We all need a bit of silliness" says commenter

In this week's comments update, readers are discussing Philippe Starck's surreal nine-storey Maison Heler hotel in Metz, France, topped with what appears to be a 19th-century mansion.

The mansion, which is entirely clad in metal, stands on top of a nine-storey monolithic tower and contains a restaurant, bar and events spaces.

"Architecture and especially hotel architecture should be fun" 

Some commenters were captivated by the hotel, with Design Junkie hailing it as "so freaking cool."

"I love the boldness of it" agreed Operacreep, before adding "architecture and especially hotel architecture should be fun."

Pims couldn't resist a play on words, branding it "a hot Metz". They added "all jokes aside, I'd love to visit it."

But not all readers were quite so smitten. MHG called Starck's design "preposterous", while Michael deemed it to be "a monstrosity" and Apsco Radiales simply thought it was "silly!".

However, Robin518 received the most upvotes for their rebuttal "we all need a bit of silliness".

Have you had your say? Join the discussion ›

"Rare that such taste coincides with such wealth"

Also stoking plenty of debate in the comments section this week was a Swiss chalet featuring a spa with a bamboo ceiling, envisioned by creative director Nachson Mimran in collaboration with architect Diébédo Francis Kéré.

Commenters weren't all jumping to sing its praises. "This display of wealth is obscene – the interiors are striking, but they belong in a publicly accessible space," argued Klunkerkranich.

However, other commenters were impressed by the level of detail. "The art and craftwork here is superb," admired Jim Angrabright.

"Critique what you will, this is beautiful despite its extravagance," suggested Jacob Volanski. "Rare that such taste coincides with such wealth," they stated, continuing "it oozes with lavishness and verges on gauche, but dang it's cool."

What are your thoughts on the Swiss chalet? Join the discussion ›

"Creative interpretation using recognisable design language" 

Readers were impressed by an American diner in Albany overhauled by New York studio Parts and Labor Design, updating nostalgic design tropes with contemporary spins.

Ann Jones thought it was "tres chic", while Souji called it "sexy".

Heywood Floyd commended the choice of "beautiful materials and colour palette."

Jb, meanwhile, wrote "creative interpretation using recognisable design language – well done."

However, on the flip side, Idracula raised concerns that the design was "overly detailed...will not wear well...just nah!"

Chic or over the top? 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 "We all need a bit of silliness" says commenter appeared first on Dezeen.