The latest edition of our weekly Dezeen Debate newsletter features a pair of Dubai skyscrapers designed by Stefano Boeri Architetti. Subscribe to Dezeen Debate now.

Architecture firm Stefano Boeri Architetti has adapted its Vertical Forest concept for a pair of Dubai skyscrapers.

The two towers, planned to be 190 and 150 metres tall, will incorporate "2,640 trees and 27,600 shrubs" as well as "a system of greenhouses and hydroponic gardens".

Hydroponic gardens are engineered to grow plants in a vertical formation using water-based, mineral nutrient solutions in place of soil. The concept was designed to increase tree planting in areas with high levels of residential developments.

Readers were skeptical about the project, with one saying the innovation doesn't make buildings "more sustainable or ecologically sound", whilst others thought the Vertical Forest trees "will be tortured in Dubai and never stay green".

Other stories in this week's newsletter include Norman Foster's angular retreat in Martha's Vineyard, OMA's designs for a stepped shopping centre in Tokyo and Burberrys' digital clothing collection in collaboration with Minecraft.

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