"Sophistication doesn't always mean complication" says commenter

In this week's comments update, readers are discussing a concrete spiritual enclosure in Mexico designed by Rubén Valdez Practice.

Located in the South Baja California desert, the minimalist concrete structure encircles a space for spiritual ceremonies and was half-buried in the earth to reinforce its relationship with the landscape.

"God is in the details"

"The purity of the shape delivers a powerful sense of spirituality," posited David Foster. "Sophistication doesn't always mean complication", they concluded.

This sentiment was echoed by Frank, who thought that the structure was "powerful, brilliantly simple and nothing more than absolutely necessary."

Also a fan, Pa Varreon suggested that "God is in the details – especially when they are a pure minimalist expression of sobriety."

However, not everyone was left feeling enlightened, with Dik Coates scorning "what a waste of concrete."

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"Great quality project – truly 21st century"

Commenters were also reacting to architecture studio MAST's plans for a floating residential neighbourhood in a disused dock in Rotterdam.

"It's so ugly!" exclaimed Souji, adding "we don't need more banal boxes claiming to be good design."

But not all readers were quite so despondent. CritiqueFatigue jumped in to defend the project, writing "it's easy to criticise from the sidelines – this project represents real people solving complex challenges in design, construction, climate resilience and placemaking."

Also in favour of the design was Brian Anthony, who wrote, "nice human scale, in contrast to the dross surrounding it."

Bras Cubas, meanwhile, applauded the project, stating: "Rotterdam did it again, wow." They added "great quality project – truly 21st century."

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"An elegant design with quiet confidence"

Dezeen readers were generally positive about Chatillon Architectes' conversion of the Brest Post Office in Brittany into flats with a glass-brick facade.

"Cool, pristine and peaceful place to live," suggested Pa Varreon. They added that "glass blocks are useful in this context – great light."

Bob proposed that "the use of glass bricks, especially when gently illuminated from inside, gives a warmth and extra layer of interest to the building without being ostentatious."

They went on to describe it as "an elegant design with a quiet confidence."

For Marc Sicard, the design was "super nice!". However, they did add that "the only questionable choices are the carpet and furniture."

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Comments update

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