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Commenter says renovation of Corsican convent is "absolutely exquisite"

In this week's comments update, readers are discussing the renovation and extension of the Saint-Francois Convent on the island of Corsica and debating other top stories.

French studio Amelia Tavella Architectes has renovated and extended a 15th-century convent on the island of Corsica.

The studio looked to preserve the history and essence of the convent, which was built in 1480, by adding a perforated copper extension that adjoined its ruined walls.

"Lovely, gossamer-like qualities"

Commenters are divided. "Beautiful project," said Alfred Hitchock, "but it could be even better if it were built from local natural stone, with a clay tiled roof."

"Nah," replied Scott Chegg, getting numerous upvotes.

"Lovely, gossamer-like qualities," continued JZ. "Would love to see it after the copper patinas; what will be lost in the shimmering qualities and gained in the weathered textures."

"My word," said Think, "that is absolutely exquisite."

Are you worshipping the Saint-Francois Convent? Join the discussion ›

Dutch Holocaust Memorial of Names
Studio Libeskind completes angular Holocaust memorial in Amsterdam

Commenter says "Libeskind remains the master of the architectural metaphor"

Readers are discussing the Dutch Holocaust Memorial of Names, which Polish-American architect Daniel Libeskind's studio has completed in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

"Powerful work," said Humbled. "Libeskind remains the master of the architectural metaphor."

Z-Dog agreed: "The best Libeskind project are the ones that you wouldn't think are by them. Impressive work showing relative restraint!"

"Pleasant to see a different material palette than what we usually see from Studio Libeskind," replied JZ. "It plays well with the mirrored surfaces. The reflections are also emotionally powerful, fracturing the sense of space and surrounding urban context."

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

The Star in Hollywood by MAD Architects
MAD Architects plans Hollywood office wrapped with funicular railway

Reader says Hollywood office "could star in disaster movies"

Commenters are debating Chinese studio MAD Architects' proposed design for The Star office block in Hollywood, Los Angeles. If built, it will incorporate a funicular railway.

"This would be totally contextual in London," said Arhmatic, "right between The Walkie Talkie and The Cheesegrater."

"Will be a great thing to roll down the street in future disaster movies," added Bubba10.

Flexible Fotography was more positive: "Oh, the negative nay-sayers... I think this design looks marvelous! Of course, the actual construction will tell whether it succeeds. If built as rendered, it will be a new Hollywood landmark."

Are you keen on the design? Join the discussion ›

An aerial view of Ilot Queyries housing by MVRDV
MVRDV slots red-walled courtyard into irregularly-shaped French housing

Commenter thinks housing development is "worthy of vintage MVRDV"

Readers are impressed by the Ilot Queyries housing development in Bordeaux, France, which was designed by architecture studio MVRDV.

"This is the first MVRDV project that I have really liked in a long while," said BB. "Has the bluntness and intrigue of much of their earlier housing work."

JZ agreed: "Impressive forms. Scale seems sensitive at the street. I can imagine dynamic shifts, skitters, and perspectival distortions of the common gable shape as one perambulates. High contrast to the debacle in London this summer."

"Wonderful," concluded Masus Trillo. "Worthy of vintage MVRDV. Hopefully, this indicates a real shift back to their brilliant and original works and a definitive move away from their more recent very superficial, boring, trite, 'Keeping up with Bjarke Ingels' phase."

What do you think of the development? 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.