"Welcome to our brave new world, I suppose" says commenter

In this week's comments update, readers are discussing the Stratos Hyperscale Data Center in Utah, designed by Gensler.

Set to be one of the largest data centres in the world, the complex is set to contain 60 data centres on a 10,000-acre site.

"People belly-aching about data centres online is hilarious"

Readers were on the same page, openly stating their indignation.

"Heat island effects and water consumption are huge concerns for me," said Ken Steffes, preoccupied with the project's environmental consequences.

"Why aren't they putting these data centres underground," asked Danzee. "It's pretty hot out there, and seems like they could save a lot of money for air conditioning costs that would make up for the extra construction fees."

Other commenters were more scathing. "Still evil, still intrusive, still ugly, still unnecessary," wrote Erik Bergdahl. "There's no positive spin here, none of it should be built, plain and simple."

Benjamin agreed, "This is… sad."

For those who live nearby, feelings ran even lower. "Light pollution is a huge concern of mine," wrote Utah_1. "I have spent a year and a lot of money so I could look at the stars with telescopes."

Reader Heywood Floyd pointed out the irony in the situation. "People belly-aching about data centres online is hilarious."

"Welcome to our brave new world, I suppose," JZ added resignedly.

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"It is not easy for an opaque, rigid object to be graceful"

Another project garnering attention from commenters this week was the spiralling Hainan Science Museum, designed by studio MAD in Haikou, China.

Some readers expressed their approval of the museum. "I love the international lineage of this compelling parti," said David Chase Martin. "Perhaps it's my naivete, but it feels so hopeful."

"Less cringe-worthy than it should have been," agreed Heywood Floyd, while Mann Amaz wrote, "It is not easy for an opaque, rigid object to be graceful."

"It does evoke the Guggenheim," said Mina F. "I do like the use as a science museum: instead of teaching facts, teach how to ask the questions."

Other readers were less impressed by the rounded structure.

"The Guggenheim sits well in the New York City fabric, but this one is a parachuted alien," wrote Marius. "It is highway architecture."

Tom Roberts was on the same page. "I am so sick of exhibitionistic isolated architecture," he said.

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"What a waste of decent timber"

Also causing a stir in the comments was a floating community space and guesthouse in Copenhagen by Danish practices Arcgency and MAST.

"The architectural intent is clearly stated, clearly carried out, and contextually pertinent," wrote Jb, congratulating the design.

Guest showed similar interest. "Residential buildings in the background look very interesting and technologically advanced for a rainy climate," they said.

Other readers were less convinced. "What a waste of decent timber," wrote Colin MacGillivray of the angular timber supports framing the structure. "They are completely redundant – apart from their visual aspect."

Commenter Jb offered a measured response to this. "The inclusion of the 'redundant structure' is part of what makes this an architectural response."

Supplying another perspective, Dr Shömer Ervin wrote, "What about children in the deep water? Children need free places to play and take part in movement."

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Comments update

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