Continuing our review of the year, Dezeen looks back at the most controversial stories to hit the world of architecture and design in 2023.

Image by Populous
The Sphere planning battle
This year saw the world's largest spherical building open in Las Vegas ? the MSG Sphere, a concert venue designed by Populous and covered in a gigantic wraparound screen that captivated and divided social media.
Meanwhile, the developer's plans for a sister Sphere in east London became a political football. Having initially gained planning approval in March 2022 ? against the wishes of the local council and MP ? London mayor Sadiq Khan last month intervened to reject the scheme, claiming it would cause "unacceptable harm to hundreds of residents".
UK government levelling up secretary Michael Gove later appeared to be positioning himself to overrule the mayor's decision, but the project's developers indicated they will be turning their attention to other cities instead. In a strongly worded statement, developer Sphere Entertainment said Khan had "hijacked" the planing process. "Londoners should be dismayed that they are not going to benefit from this groundbreaking project, and others looking to invest in London should certainly be wary," a spokesperson added.
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Image courtesy of Graham Clifford and the New York State Departm.ent of Economic Development
I NY revamp
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