In this week’s comments update, readers are discussing a veterinary hospital in Albania with sculptural curved-concrete walls by Swiss studio Davide Macullo Architects.
Located in the Albanian capital of Tirana, the 2,243-square-metre building contains both a vet clinic and a pet hotel across its three storeys.
Curved concrete walls create an “open and freeing environment” at the veterinary hospital
“There’s something weird about seeing all that concrete in a veterinary facility”
“This is nothing short of amazing,” congratulated Miles Teg, before suggesting that “Tirana is on its way to become a must-see for any architect.”
Igor Pismensky agreed, exclaiming “the structure looks fantastic!” They thought “it exudes a brutalist aesthetic, a style of design that I truly admire.”
However, the project had as many detractors as it did admirers. Commenter Frank felt that “there’s something weird about seeing all that concrete in a veterinary facility”. They suggested that “with literally no sound absorption, you can almost hear the dog barking everywhere just by looking at the images.”
Others couldn’t resist the opportunity for irony. “Nothing more ‘open and freeing’ than a collage of solid concrete walls,” mocked Lou Lorb.
“Although visually spectacular, we’ll wait until the novelty factor wears off,” mused Souji.
What’s your take on the veterinary hospital? Join the discussion ›
OMA wraps Jomoo headquarters in white ceramic stripes
“Proportionally problematic”
Readers were divided over the Jomoo headquarters in Xiamen, China, by architecture studio OMA, which features a facade composed of white ceramic stripes with a mountain-like base.
Miles Teg thought that the design was “proportionally problematic”. Even less forgiving in their assessment was Harold G, writing “it’s sad to think that an architect received a payment for creating this ugly heap.”
But not all commenters were quite so pessimistic. “I kinda like it…it’s certainly much better than the other buildings surrounding it,” granted Marc Sicard.
Idracula, meanwhile, said “I find this building kinda cute… it stands out like a little kid amongst the towers next to it.” They added, “I’m drawn to the design as it breaks with traditions”.
“I surprise myself in actually loving this,” contributed commenter Heyt.
Cute or problematic? Join the discussion ›
“The lights reflecting in the pool are beautiful”
Dezeen readers were also debating a ring-shaped visitor centre in Tianshui comprised of six volumes clad in sandstone, designed by Chinese studios ZXD Architects and Beijing Institute of Architectural Design.
Not everyone was convinced. “What city needs a visitor centre as big as itself?” asked Baid Isle.
For Albia400, the project represented “yet another beautiful Chinese engineering feat with seemingly no program or purpose.”
However, The Discreet Architect was in awe, writing “the evening shots of the courtyard with the lights reflecting in the pool are beautiful!” They went on to say, “also some striking interiors – very interesting project”.
Have you had your say? Join the discussion ›
Comments update
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