Architecture enthusiasts are engaged in heated discussions about several striking new projects featured on Dezeen Magazine, with a circular Mexican house designed by Fernanda Canales sparking particularly divided opinions among readers. The weekly comments update reveals passionate debates about contemporary architectural designs from Mexico, China, and India.
The most controversial project is House 720 Degrees, a circular residence designed by Fernanda Canales in a remote area outside Valle de Bravo, Mexico. The house surrounds an open courtyard in the center and was conceived to resemble a sundial, with Canales orienting the structure as a "solar clock." The design has generated polarized reactions from the architecture community.
Supporters of the Mexican house praised its raw aesthetic qualities. Commenter JZ observed, "Really love the raw quality of the concrete," while Miles Teg noted that "leaving that inner courtyard completely barren pays off marvelously." Miles Teg concluded that "the final effect is nothing short of poetic," though acknowledged it was "not the easiest house to live in." The same commenter added, "I wouldn't imagine the owners spending more than a couple of weeks here."
However, critics took a much harsher view of the design. Chris bluntly stated, "God that courtyard is bleak," a sentiment echoed by Lemone, who felt the design was "rigorous to the point of sterility." These contrasting opinions highlight the divisive nature of minimalist architectural approaches in residential design.
Another project generating significant discussion is a curved footbridge in Hangzhou by Zaha Hadid Architects, which weaves around three arches using what designers call a "sinuous structural system." The project received overwhelmingly positive feedback from readers who praised its fluid design approach.
Ken Steffes declared that "this structure is beautiful from every angle," while JZ commented, "Ok, this is pretty freaking cool. Love the fluidity of the gesture and how it operates on a micro and macro experiential level." Dik Coates added, "This is a beautiful cable-stayed structure – it's lovely to behold." However, Blæh offered a more critical perspective, noting, "It's stunning but seems like it was designed for somewhere else – it's a crossroads-bridge, but here the perpendicular just leads to two dead ends."
The third featured project, Bridge House in rural Karjat, India, achieved near-unanimous praise from commenters. Completed by architecture studio Wallmakers, the home spans a seven-meter-deep gorge and features distinctive "thatch-mud" scales cladding. American Tinker called it a "fascinating design," while Miles Teg wrote, "Such a weird building – I love it," arguing that "it seems to solve a lot of challenging problems quite wonderfully."
Commenter TheFlyinfgEpergne reflected on the experiential qualities of the Indian project, writing, "I bet it is such a unique feeling, being in a space like that with that palette of materials." HonestlyWhocares took the opportunity to recognize the studio's broader work, noting, "These guys have such an incredible control of geometry and detail in every house they make."
As Dezeen continues to position itself as the world's most commented architecture and design magazine, receiving thousands of comments monthly, these discussions reflect broader debates within the architectural community about functionality versus aesthetics, minimalism versus warmth, and the role of context in design. The magazine encourages continued engagement through its weekly Debate newsletter and maintains an active comments page for ongoing architectural discussions.
