"The Emperor has (almost) no clothes," says commenter

In this week's comments update, readers are discussing BIG's designs for the riverside Tennessee Performing Arts Center in Nashville.

Set to be covered with a cascading curtain of metal pipes, the project drawing reference from a theatre curtain. According to BIG founder Bjarke Ingels, the structure is meant to connect "the old and the new Nashville".

"The whole thing feels very one-note"

Readers were left split over the project's flowing facade.

"I think BIG is executing a nice idea here but would be better if the developers let them finish the concept over the roof. The Google Earth elevation is important!" wrote Z-dog.

"As an architect, I recognize the challenge this poses for structural engineers, with such large overhangs in both the main hall and the large auditorium," reasons Victor.

Commenter This is not Hank offered a similar critique. "The facade material and articulation could be quite interesting," he said. "The issue with avant-garde is the uncertainty of aspects like: how will this material weather?

But the project had as many detractors as admirers.

"Really underwhelming," said Par-tea. "It feels like a student project that was done the night before the final review from model scraps laying around the studio… the whole thing feels very one-note."

Chris agreed, writing, "It does have this awful feeling of being a collection of boxes with some decoration added to hide its mundane appearance."

"The Emperor has (almost) no clothes," joked a second Chris.

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"Wow, beautiful inside and out!"

Also cast in the spotlight in this week's comments section was a restaurant made from mud-coated, stacked shipping containers in India, by Wallmakers.

A few readers were unimpressed by the structure. "I find Wallmakers' work wilfully heavy-handed," said Kinetic. "This restaurant is no exception."

However, many commenters were left intrigued. "Love the external earth brick wall with containers peeking out and giving colour contrast," said Sharad Merchant. "And with alternate empty bays bringing light but also providing privacy; excellent!"

"Those glazed bays can become prime two-seaters for lovebirds with garden views," she continued.

Marius agreed. "Well conceived, well executed, sharp-witted, kudos to designers and builders," he said. "The absence of limitations may be the enemy of art, the authors of these projects had enough restraints and dealt with them excellently."

The majority of readers were impressed by the project. "Wow, beautiful inside and out!" said Chris D.

"Stunning," added Roelatmac.

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"A trip to Rome is in order"

Another well-received project in the comments this week was the opening up of the archaeological site behind the Pantheon in Rome, by Italian architectural studio STARTT.

Readers were left impressed, commenting their admiration for the studio's subtle additions to the ancient structure.

"Lovely, quiet insertions," said JZ. "The previous building fabric is foregrounded nicely."

Marius also had nothing but praise, writing, "Stunning complement to one of the greatest buildings ever built. A trip to Rome is in order."

More interested in the culture, but positive nonetheless, Keith said, "Respect for their amazing talent and history. I love Italy."

Pa Varreon agreed, "Magnificent work, Italian architects will always demonstrate superior skills in construction."

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Comments update

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