Danish architecture firm BIG's newly approved four-building complex in Los Angeles has become the centerpiece of heated public discussion, with critics calling the 670 Mesquit development "comically out of scale for the area." The controversial project, which recently received approval from the Los Angeles city council, combines residential housing with an elementary school and additional community facilities in a comprehensive urban development.
The mixed-use complex has generated significant reader feedback through Dezeen Magazine's weekly debate newsletter, highlighting polarized opinions about the project's appropriateness for its urban context. One concerned reader specifically pointed out technical issues, warning that "the thermal bridging on those balcony slabs will be a problem," raising questions about the building's energy efficiency and structural design.
The 670 Mesquit project represents BIG's latest venture into large-scale American urban development, following the firm's growing presence in major U.S. cities. The four-building complex aims to address Los Angeles' ongoing housing shortage while integrating educational facilities directly into the residential community, a design approach that reflects contemporary urban planning principles.
This week's Dezeen Debate newsletter, which features the BIG controversy as its lead story, also includes other notable developments that have captured public attention. Among the highlighted stories are the introduction of what's being marketed as the "world's first" self-driving golf trolley that uses artificial intelligence to autonomously follow players around golf courses.
Additional stories generating discussion include progress photos of the ongoing construction of the new Buffalo Bills stadium and innovative Lego-customizable rings created by Berlin-based jewelry brand Studio GOGO. These diverse topics reflect the newsletter's broad coverage of design, architecture, and technology innovations.
The Dezeen Debate newsletter, distributed every Tuesday, serves as a platform for reader engagement and commentary on the most significant stories in architecture and design. The publication offers multiple newsletter options, including Dezeen Agenda with weekly news highlights, Dezeen Daily featuring 24-hour story updates, and Dezeen In Depth providing monthly comprehensive analysis of major industry developments.
The controversy surrounding BIG's Los Angeles project underscores ongoing tensions in urban development, particularly regarding the balance between addressing housing needs and maintaining neighborhood character. As cities across America grapple with similar challenges, projects like 670 Mesquit serve as important case studies for future development approaches.
