In this week’s comments update, readers are discussing the completion of Ray Phoenix by California studio Johnston Marklee in partnership with Lamar Johnson Collaborative.
Located in Arizona, the residential building is clad in a mint green metal facade, and was meant to “enhance the Phoenix community by making art, architecture, and design highly accessible to its residents”.
“The green in green architecture was never meant to be literal”
Readers were split, with some praising the structure and others questioning the practicality of its glass in such a hot climate.
“Well done,” wrote Trewus. “And by well done, I mean look at the surrounding residential developments and see how easy it is to create something that looks good, contributes to the urban space and probably didn’t come at a much higher price point if at all.”
“An attractive, well built thing,” agreed Ben. “I approve.”
Jack Woodburn thought otherwise. “Sorry, that is one very ugly green ‘greenhouse’ built in a city with frequent 110+ degree temperatures,” he said. “The AC energy costs for residents will be enormous.”
Regarding its facade, readers were critical.
“The green in green architecture was never meant to be literal,” said HB, while This is not Hank wrote, “70s and 80s design might have a revival, but that only works in small doses.”
Chris D concurred, “at least if you live there, you don’t have to look at it.”
Have you had your say yet? Join the discussion ›
“Very tidy project”
Causing a stir in the comments section this week was the light-filled Canon Mews project in Edinburgh, by architecture studio Pend.
“Well done Pend!” congratulated Colin MacGillivray.
Reader Jb was just as encouraging. “This is a step up for Pend – this time the architectural context has driven their creative response.”
“Clean and elegant,” said Pa Varreon, and RK agreed: “very tidy project.”
Though overwhelmingly positive, a few commenters made their suggestions.
“Lovely looking project,” wrote HP. “But that dormer window not meeting the roof is a bit ouch.”
Sam Hagger said, “looks lovely and I love a Mini, but that garage shot looks suspiciously like it’s managing expectations of an unfeasibly small garage.”
“I’d rather have my ‘framed view’ of brick than a wall of zinc,” wrote Chris Rogers.
What do you think? Join the discussion ›
“It’s not another Tour Montparnasse disaster”
Also stoking plenty of debate in the comments section was the topping out of the trapezoidal Tour Triangle in Paris, by Swiss studio Herzog & de Meuron.
Some readers appreciated the addition to the Paris skyline.
“Looks better than I expected,” wrote Trewus. “It’s not another Tour Montparnasse disaster.”
Commenter Hubbe agreed. “I like this very much. The shape is elegant, and if the attention to detail and materials is good enough, this could be a jewel.”
“In a way, very Parisian,” wrote Jota. “That imperial touch…”
Other readers were less certain about the design.
“Will it grow on us?” asked Don Bronkema. To which Milton Welch replied, “despite the ‘lack of enthusiasm’ in early days of Eiffel Tower that was proven wrong, I still scratch my head in thought of a giant shadow that will blanket the neighbourhood.”
“It’ll be soon quite interesting to appreciate the traffic congestions in that area, which is already a massively jammed zone,” added Pa Varreon.
What’s your take? Join the discussion ›
Comments update
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