In this week’s comments update, readers are discussing a bat-friendly watchtower overlooking a forest in the Netherlands by Dutch studio NEXT Architects.
Called Watchtower Einderheide, the 26-metre-tall timber structure features a carved cut-out that reveals a spiral staircase, as well as integrated habitats designed for tree-dwelling bats.
“We cut down trees for a wood structure to look over the trees”
Plenty of commenters were impressed by the timber structure. “Everyone loves a good perch,” reflected JZ, while Jerry Dickman-Wilkes exclaimed “what a beautiful thing!”
Cet thought that “the tower is meticulous and engaging” and Duarte Pinto-Coelho contributed “I find this project to be a masterpiece – very well done.”
Other readers were on the fence, including Marius who called the watchtower a “very fine lookout” before raising the point that “we cut down trees for a wood structure to look over the trees.” They wondered “is the view worth the effort?”
What’s your view? Join the discussion ›
“Jean Prouvé stealing the show”
Also attracting attention in the comments section this week was Tuckey Design Studio’s transformation of an old concrete villa into a modern home in Lake Como,Italy.
Dezeen readers were quick to scrutinise the various design elements, with Duckusucker writing “love the Prouvé dining chairs, but the flooring is a huge shrug”.
Rd agreed, writing: “Jean Prouvé stealing the show”, before adding “it looks lovely – warm yet fresh.”
Also a fan of the project was Miles Teg, who pointed out “nice soft colours, a very balanced and detail focussed approach”.
However, others felt the design was trite, with JZ murmuring “here we go again with the interiors-heavy, mood board-like, IG-ready vignettes”. They went on to say “I feel like I’m reviewing an Airbnb site for the property.”
Fresh or trite? Join the discussion ›
“Scandinavian restraint and attention to detail”
Also on commenters’ radars this week was the refurbishment of the 1943 BioRio cinema in Stockholm by local studio In Praise of Shadows to create a “warm and inviting atmosphere”.
Jb thought it was “superbly done”, while Operacreep called it “rather lovely in its quietude”.
Meanwhile, Marius suggested that it was already “a well-designed, fine cinema, so the upgrade challenge has not been gargantuan.” On the other hand, they granted “yet, it was performed very well, with respect, Scandinavian restraint and attention to detail.”
Are you a fan? 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.
The post "Is the view worth the effort?" asks commenter appeared first on Dezeen.
