"Those interiors need a stiff drink" says commenter

In this week's comments update, readers are discussing a late-night London restaurant with dramatic lighting designed by Cake Architecture to evoke the moody mystery of an Edward Hopper painting.

Tucked under a railway in Canary Wharf, Kricket is a modern Indian restaurant that takes cues from the saturated works of American realist painter Hopper – in particular, his 1942 depiction of an all-night diner in Nighthawks.

"Trying too hard to be cute and clever"

Commenters weren't totally convinced. "Using Hopper's paintings as inspiration for a social space seems at odds considering those paintings are about isolation and loneliness," reflected Donny.

Other readers took a more blunt view, with Marius suggesting that "those interiors need a stiff drink."

Tom Roberts was on the same page, calling it "an unpleasant environment trying too hard to be cute and clever."

However, not all commenters were so pessimistic. Pa Varreon argued it was a "brilliant idea" and described it as a "neat and dandy place to idle intellectually around at nighttime."

Do you think Kricket hits the right notes? Join the discussion ›

"Arcitecture is not graphic design" 

Dezeen readers also shared their thoughts on architecture firm Studio Libeskind's design for a geometric building with angular, plant-covered facades in Paris.

Design Junkie pointed out that "this surely must waste a ton of space," while OM suggested the "self-serving" design had "no style" and "will look terrible if built".

"Why? Why? Why?" implored Cezary Marek. "Architecture is not graphic design."

BBOB went one step further to suggest "this ugliness is what the modernist movement has paved the way for by rejecting tradition." They added that "modernism needs to stop existing."

However, commenter Dik Coates went against the grain to say "I thought this project was really neat – I'd love to have one in my neighbourhood."

Which angle do you take? Join the discussion ›

"Now this is pleasant" 

Readers generally had a more positive perspective on a structure comprised of 12 sandstone pillars arranged in a mandorla shape enclosing a "sheltered yet open" chapel in Germany by Christopher Hesse Architects.

Commenter Anas Raheel commended the way the design "beautifully blends modern design with nature, using stone pillars to create a peaceful, open space."

"It's a stunning example of architecture that invites reflection and harmony with the environment," they continued.

The Truth was similarly impressed by the structure and wrote "now this is pleasant," adding "every component is essential, and there is nothing that is gratuitous or superficial."

However, not everyone was a fan. Jb criticised the project as "the sort of empty architectural idea modernists coo and purr over, whispering 'it's so poetic' and so on, but it isn't culturally pertinent".

What do you make of it? Join the discussion ›

Comments Update

Dezeen is the world's most commented architecture and design magazine, receiving thousands of comments each month from readers. Keep up to date on the latest discussions on our comments page and subscribe to our weekly Debate newsletter, where we feature the best reader comments from stories in the last seven days.

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