Architecture and design readers are engaging in heated discussions about several controversial projects this week, with Heatherwick Studio's planned redevelopment of a historic Prague city block drawing the most criticism. The 15,000-square-meter Savarin development will include contemporary additions alongside renovations to several surrounding historic buildings, creating a public square flanked by shops and offices in Prague's historic center.
The response from readers has been overwhelmingly negative, with many expressing concerns about the project's impact on the city's architectural heritage. "I love Prague and this hurts," commented user Marius, while another reader named Melon stated that "words almost fail me – poor quality design, poor flow." The harshest criticism came from a commenter called The Truth, who wrote, "Sad to see the lack of contextual respect for the charming buildings in the neighboring historic district. Why is Prague allowing this visual contamination of the city?"
Isabelle Mc offered a more detailed critique, suggesting that "what the sensitive project location needed was a thoughtful architectural solution." Instead, she argued, "what the client purchased was a brand which selfishly emphasized its own loud, brash and non-contextual look, all at the expense of the city itself." User Souji raised broader concerns about the development's potential economic impact, asking, "Is the goal to kill traditional and small businesses that give character and identity to these sorts of places?" Meanwhile, Jim Angrabright questioned whether the project signals a broader trend, asking "are malls back?"
In other design news generating discussion, American transportation company Volonaut has released footage of what they're calling the "world's first flying superbike," a hoverbike that allows users to fly "like a superhero." The reaction to this innovation has been mixed, with many commenters expressing safety concerns. "How to self-delete in the most expensive but dramatic way possible," warned user Whateverandeveramen, while Ian Byrne cautioned that "just because you can, doesn't mean you should."
Several commenters dismissed the flying bike as nothing particularly revolutionary. Miles Teg called it "another glorified drone, sigh," and Harry Belafonte 3rd simply wrote "blowing hot air." However, not all responses were negative, with Bernard Delage expressing enthusiasm, saying "This is great and makes me think of Harry Potter's magic broom."
Another design project stirring conversation is Swedish designer Gustaf Westman's collaboration with IKEA, specifically an elongated plate designed exclusively for serving and displaying meatballs "like they're sitting on little thrones." The specialized design has divided opinion among readers, with some viewing it as unnecessarily specific. "How exciting and novel!" wrote Karl sarcastically. "The world is desperately in need of products like this."
Practical concerns about the meatball plate's functionality were raised by Ned Tonic, who noted that "it's for meatballs and nothing else – no space for the other party regulars like lingonberry and gravy." Critics of the design were more blunt in their assessment. "Of course, it had to be something juvenile and truly useless," wrote Operacreep, while Butnotreally expressed fatigue with current design trends, stating, "I'm looking forward to the not-so-distant day that this high-gloss, ultra-blobby design language is no longer the current fad."
These discussions reflect broader debates within the architecture and design community about contextual sensitivity, practical functionality, and the role of branded design in public spaces. The conversations continue to evolve as readers weigh in on these controversial projects, highlighting the ongoing tension between innovation and tradition in contemporary design.
