Dezeen Magazine

L'Arc de Triomphe Wrapped by Christo and Jeanne-Claude

Commenter "can't wait for the Eiffel Tower to get the same treatment" as the Arc de Triomphe

In this week's comments update, readers are discussing the L'Arc de Triomphe Wrapped installation and debating other top stories.

The Arc de Triomphe monument in Paris has been covered by 25,000 square metres of silvery fabric as part of an installation by late artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude.

It fulfils the "life-long dream" of the artists, who were best known for wrapping famous buildings around the world.

"I'll wrap my garden table in it"

Commenters are divided. "Can't wait for the Eiffel Tower to get the same treatment," said Aigoual.

"I love it," continued Sim. "I am volunteering to adopt 10 square metres of the material for use in my garden. I'll wrap my garden table in it."

"I'd like to fulfil my 'life-long dream' and cover the Mona Lisa in bright red paint," replied Arhmatic. "It's true art, trust me. No worries, it's temporary, two weeks total. Will clean it all up... I am sure the long line of tourists waiting to see it would approve."

"I feel sorry for anyone who may have travelled thousands of miles on a once-in-a-lifetime holiday to Paris with the intention of seeing the sights... and ended up seeing this!" concluded Colin.

Are you impressed by the installation? Join the discussion ›

Era by ODA Architecture
ODA designs Manhattan tower that increases size as it ascends

Commenter hopes cantilevered Manhattan tower "doesn't mark a trend"

Readers aren't sold on ODA's design for a residential building that is set to be built on Manhattan's Upper West Side. The tower will increase in size as it ascends.

"Efficient for Hong Kong density, but for NYC looks so weak," said Francesco Sacconi. "Hope it doesn't mark a trend, such a nightmare."

"What would architects do if there were no structural engineers?" asked Apsco Radiales. "Lemme answer that – we would do buildings that make sense. Does that make sense?"

"Gotta love air rights when they won't sell to the developer," joked Ellis Dee.

Are commenters being harsh? Join the discussion ›

A 3D image of a gondola boat
Philippe Starck envisions futuristic gondola as a "symbol for the future of Venice"

Reader dubs Philippe Starck-designed gondola a "gone-doline"

Commenters are debating Philippe Starck's design for a modern gondola, which was created as part of a program to encourage Venetian creatives to use design as a tool for innovation.

"I envision people living on rafts made from tied-together gondolas," said Richard Vahrman. "Necessary when Venice disappears underwater."

"Venice is sinking," added Nimdoorquoi. "Submarine. Gone-doline."

"If this is a future symbol of Venice, the city is in more trouble than I thought," concluded Jlocktov. "The design takes work away from gondoliers and artisans. It demonstrates no respect for Venetian heritage."

What do you think of Dream of Winter Gondola? Join the discussion ›

Side elevation of The Queen of Catford by Tsuruta Architects
Tsuruta Architects incorporates 27,000 cat faces into five homes in Catford

Commenter says The Queen of Catford is the "cat's meow"

Readers are enjoying making puns about The Queen of Catford, a housing project in south London by Tsuruta Architects featuring thousands of cat faces.

"'The brief was to be a CATalyst for the regeneration of the area'," said Steve Leo. " Nice."

"Nice work!" added GRZ. "It's the cat's meow. Other cat puns, etc."

Katya agreed: "Well done – doesn't leave me catatonic or mewling."

Are you pawing over the apartment building? 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.