In this week's comments update, readers are debating the development of a Hyperloop high-speed transport system in Italy.

Zaha Hadid Architects has signed an agreement to develop the near-supersonic network, collaborating with Hyperloop Italia to design the "next phase of works".

"This is not going to be built" 

Readers are divided. "This is not going to be built," said Mr G. "And that's for the best."

"I like the sound of the Milan Hyperloop," replied Mr J. "I have used the Centro-Malpensa bus many times, and it's a pleasant enough ride, but a smooth and quick replacement would do both city and airport a big favour."

Corporate Overlords disagreed: "Hyperloop is all hype! Please stop promoting inventions like this."

"Italy is going bankrupt due to Covid fallout," concluded Xena the Warrior Mastiff. "Feeding the poor pensioners or building a new train?"

Is building a Hyperloop in Italy a good idea? Join the discussion ›

Commenter calls ice cream-coloured buildings "pastel dystopia"

Readers are intrigued by a collection of ice cream-coloured buildings, which Paris studio LAN Architecture has built in Strasbourg, France. They are set around a communal garden.

"Pastel dystopian," said Heywood Floyd. "Pastopian? Dystopastel? Someone help me out here..."

"The colours and simple forms are lovely," continued Chris, "but boy is it soulless at ground level."

"Very interesting to see how you can create a sense of variety," added Yup Yup Yup. "Same facade, same rhythm, same everything, except color and height."

Are the Nolistra buildings good enough to eat? Join the discussion ›

Reader says Serpentine Pavilion is "clichétecture"

This year's Serpentine Pavilion, designed by South African studio Counterspace, has attracted a lot of attention from commenters. It was intended to reference meeting spaces in areas of London that have large migrant populations.

"This isn't architecture, it's set design at best," said JPJ. "The idea is mildly interesting but could easily be interpreted as empty woke posturing and the resultant manifestation is an incoherent jumble of shapes seemingly thrown together."

Masus Trillo agreed: "This isn't architecture, this is 'clichétecture'. Completely banal, one-liner, trite, done already decades ago."

"This design was canceled last year, which should have been seen as an omen," concluded Sim. "It is a chaotic confusing design and it makes no sense, no matter what story you attach to it. It lacks clarity and a moment in the design where everything comes together."

Are readers being harsh? Join the discussion ›

Chinese shopping street has "a bit of a Frank Lloyd Wright interpretation"

Readers are discussing a shortcut through Shanghai's Huangpu district, in which Jean Nouvel has inserted a covered shopping street into a mixed-use building and brightened office facades with rows of potted plants.

"Has a bit of a Frank Lloyd Wright interpretation with the Cherokee Red and complementary color green vegetation," said Puzzello.

"Communist red and capitalist consumerism," replied Mann Amaz.

"I think the concept is strikingly beautiful," concluded John Roz. "It manages to capture an essence of traditional Chinese design somehow without using any of the traditional shapes or materials. I would certainly appreciate this if it were in my city."

What do you think of the "street of 1,000 red jars"? Join the discussion ›

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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.