19 February 2007

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London: mixing "Starchitecture" and tradition


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Europe’s most dynamic and culturally most lively metropolis is often defined as an anomaly in terms of its urbanistic-architectonic profile.
New York has always been identified with its serrated skyline of skyscrapers, those competitively- shouldering flagships of the great North America companies, such as the Chrysler Building, that symbolise the tension inherent in the world’s number one superpower’s attitude towards economic development.
These steel and glass giants have never, on the other hand, provided a strong and distinctive appearance for London. While the City may not lack for vertical constructions, the personality of this age-old European capital is too various and complex to be defined by the urban features of its commercial hub, ignoring the buildings of Westminster or the tradition of terraced houses. However, things seem to have been changing in recent years.
In the search for new ways of symbolising the aspirations of this capital to bring the modernity of the Anglo-Saxon world to the Old Continent, ways that represent the true incarnation of Occidental culture, London’s administrative powers have had the good sense to open the doors to a radical transformation of the urban panorama, even at the cost of producing strident contrasts with the capital’s oldest and most cherished symbols and institutions.
So, even though it has never had a regulatory plan for progressive expansion, today London seems ever more inclined to share the tendencies of other great cities to encourage the development of large vertical structures. The teaching followed is that of Norman Foster, who has said: “Only skyscrapers can solve the problems of urban development without undervaluing the aesthetic role.  No other structure provides a similar visual impact or has the power to become a symbol, a metropolitan icon, embodying modernity, vitality and growth”.  After the CANARY WHARF development, therefore, and then the much-discussed arrival on London soil of Foster’s tower, the GHERKIN, a series of new skyscrapers has been authorised, helping to fuel the fires of the so-called “tall building debate” concerning the new architectonic image of the capital.
A prestigious international architecture firm, which has also featured the work of Italian architect Renzo Piano, is playing a major part in this progressive evolution of the British metropolis with its SHARD LONDON BRIDGE project, also known as LONDON BRIDGE TOWER.
This beautiful pyramid-shaped skyscraper should, from 2009, be set like a precious stone on London’s Thames-side landscape, both redefining it in a revolutionary way, and imposing its presence as a symbol of the city that will become recognisable all over the world. At 310 metres, the tower will become the highest in the city, with 43 elevators carrying around 18,000 people per day and a polyfunctional structure including offices on the first 27 floors, occupying 58,858 square metres; a mid-level plaza containing a luxury restaurant and exhibition space at a height of 121 metres; and another 18 floors devoted to the elite 197-room 5-star Shangri-La Hotel.
At a level of between 186 and 224 metres, the London Tower Bridge will become the highest residential property in London, featuring a series of apartments equipped with every imaginable comfort and a unique, breathtaking view, and then on top of these, finally, at around a height of 244 metres, the highest exhibition space in Europe will raise its proud head.
An exceptional project, then, that will inevitably rely for its existence on the most highly advanced technology, especially for the problem of central heating and cooling in the upper reaches of the building, given that the main building materials will be steel and glass.  Every floor of offices for example will contain some “winter gardens” where a special ventilation system will make it possible for the workers to enjoy the benefits of natural light and air.

A work, therefore, which promises to be a new candidate demanding to be included amongst the wonders of the world.


Ripalta Borrelli



LINKS
- Shard London Bridge