Dezeen Magazine

The Exploratorium by Bernard Tschumi Architects

"Not everyone's cup of tea"

In this week's comments update, readers are reacting to images of the newly completed Exploratorium museum in China.

Industrial revolution: Bernard Tschumi Architects' recently completed Exploratorium museum in China sparked debate among readers thanks to its giant industrial chimney-shaped exhibition spaces.

"The thing is boring, it's feeble, it sits awkwardly next to its neighbour, and looks as though it should house a 4D experience in Disneyland," said Elliot Dennis.

Jon was also unimpressed: "I think the size of this thing got away from Tschumi a little bit, like it was initially designed as a much more reasonable project but someone scaled the entire thing up by 300 per cent in Rhino at the last minute."

"Not everyone's cup of tea, but there's so much to learn from it," responded Bassel, democratically.

Malgorzata Boguslaw was much more complimentary, calling the project: "Big, interesting, original and beautiful."

This reader had their own ideas:

What do you think of the museum? Join the discussion ›


Zhejiang museum, designed by David Chipperfield Architects

Mammoth museum: David Chipperfield's Zhejiang Museum of Natural History, also in China, caused more controversy with its monolithic exhibition halls. The museum is set to open later this year.

"Gosh! An extremely ugly and sad place, perhaps another cemetery?," commented Francesco Sacconi.

Threefloatingorbs was equally uninspired: "Monumentally oppressive."

"Elephantine. I don't get it," agreed a baffled HeywoodFloyd.

Jacob Volanski elaborated: "This architecture leaves me more confused than outraged. Each building has both the brow and grace of a neanderthal, and they all look to be furrowed towards one another."

For one reader, another architect came to mind:

What are your first impressions of Chipperfield's design? Join the discussion ›


Quarry hotel: Shimao Wonderland Intercontinental Hotel in China by Jade+QA

In deep water: readers thought that Jade + QA's Shimao Wonderland Intercontinental hotel within a 88-metre-deep abandoned quarry near Shanghai was a missed opportunity.

"Nice concept, painfully hideous design," wrote Hellfire.

Robin felt the same: "Such a waste of space and opportunity. This design could have been so much better."

"Great idea, terrible architecture," agreed Archi.

As did Michael: "What a dreadful waste of potential and money. It could have been so much more."

This commenter thinks that the grass, is in fact, always greener:

Are readers being unfair? Join the discussion ›


James Dyson Brexit

Dust off: news that pro-Brexit inventor James Dyson will move his company headquarters from the UK to Singapore, has led to some reader backlash.

"What a sucky attitude," commented James Deacon.

A.Gil went on: "Well isn't this what Brexit is all about? Let a bunch of grumpy over 65 year-olds un-thoughtfully vote on a what will disproportionately affect younger generations, just because they won't be around much longer."

"For multinational companies like Dyson, these kind of strategic changes don't happen overnight," responded Mathieu J, in disagreement. "And I bet it was on the table long before the Brexit vote."

Fidalgoman shared the sentiment, asking: "What do his Brexit views have to do with his creativity?"

Just incase anyone wasn't aware, Benny clarified:

Do you think the move is related to Brexit? Join the discussion ›