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Aspirational Structures - Skyscrapers Planned in the UK

20/12/07

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Skyscraper - a habitable building, normally greater than 150 metres in height.

For various reasons, historically the UK has never really done skyscrapers, and as such our small nation is not blessed with a great many towering habitable structures.

All of that is about to change. The UK is in the grip of a skyscraper renaissance that will see London, and other cities nationwide, really benefit from these aspirational marvels of engineering. And the good news is, most of them look to be stunning.

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Shard, 32 London Bridge

Shard, 32 London Bridge

The most breathtakingly beautiful of the new skyscrapers under construction in the UK is without a doubt the Shard. Designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano, this instantly recognisable 310 metre high landmark will be the tallest building in the UK.

The Shard, so named due to resembling a shard of glass, will make a huge impact on the London skyline without detracting from existing landmarks. For me, this building is the epitome of what a skyscraper should be - iconic, beautiful and awe inspiring. The Shard is a masterpiece.

The Pinnacle, 22-24 Bishopsgate

Pinnacle, 22-24 Bishopsgate

Next on the list of inspiring London skyscrapers is the Pinnacle, to be built on Bishopsgate. Standing at 288 metres high, this building's unique wrap-around shape has earned it the nickname Helter Skelter. The Pinnacle will be the tallest building in London until the Shard is completed.

The Leadenhall Building

Leadenhall, 122 Leadenhall Street

The Leadenhall Building continues the tradition of London's silly skyscraper names, having already earned the moniker Cheese Grater. Located at 122 Leadenhall Street, the tower will be one of the tallest buildings in London at 225 metres.

Rest of UK

Thankfully, it is not London alone benefiting from renewed interest in skyscraper construction. Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham and Leeds all have skyscraper projects approved or already under construction. Even my home city of Leicester is getting in on the act. At 117 metres tall, Westbridge Hotel Tower falls short of the 150 metres usually required for skyscraper status, but qualifies for the title by virtue of being so tall relative to the rest of the city skyline.

Whilst not in the same league as London's new skyscrapers, Westbridge Hotel Tower is still an attractive building, and one that will make a huge difference to the City of Leicester - it's slated to home the City's first five-star hotel for a start.

Westbridge Hotel Tower, Leicester

Skyscrapers, when done well, are awe-inspiring wonders of engineering. I for one am happy the UK is finally pushing forwards with these projects - we're desperately short of space on this little island, so building up makes a lot of sense. That the majority of these designs are visually appealing is a welcome bonus.

Comments are closed for this journal entry.

Tim

21 December, 2007

Not bad – that Leicester design bears a remarkable reseblance to the Great Northern Beetham Tower in Manchester which is pretty nice, albeit a bit blocky. Hilton did well to stick a swanky bar on the 23rd floor – in daylight the view is somewhat blighted by the urban decay of South Manchester but at night its pretty stunning with the city lit up.

kitsimons

23 December, 2007

Aye, the Great Northern Beetham Tower looks pretty impressive. We’ll have to take a trip up to the bar next time I’m over.

Brian

29 December, 2007

Westbridge looks impressive. The Skybar will be a great attraction in itself! I will certainly be paying a visit or two ..

I doubt it will be as little as 117m when completed.Unless the people shown in the renders are 4ft tall! .. at 10ft per floor and including the 40th level shown in all the renders, with plant room and roof garden above the structure should be at least 420ft (128m).

BG (Leicester)

kitsimons

29 December, 2007

As much as I like the idea of the people all being 4ft tall, you’re right Brian – that render does look much taller than 117m. That probably isn’t the final render though…

I’m with you on paying a visit or two to the skybar. Now, if only they will level the hideous Holiday Inn and council offices in order to improve the view from the bar.

Nick Chapman

28 January, 2008

I too like the idea of new tall buildings, I can understand but can’t believe the negativity of people in Leicester. The Old buildings they want to preserve views of are currently in grotty surroundings and do nothing for Leicesters tourism, whereas new buildings like the Theatre attract people. It’s good to see that this Westbridge development includes two other towers, and there is another development proposed in the Bath lane which is 26 stories which will make a nice little cluster. With Thames tower getting a reclad, We should look at Illuminating the cardinal tower or doing a large projection on it like Glasgow.

Humberstone Gate is ideal for the next big development.

We should look forward, Not Back.
What Leicester could really do with is a world class Arena, concert Venue and Ice Rink. Nottingham does look nicer at the moment, if not tall it’s starting to feel more like a city, Leicester has Space which Nottingham doesn’t and I don’t see traffic as a problem if managed properly. The Granby Halls development was a bit weird and that would have affected traffic so I am glad it was withdrawn, but I am in favour of progress. (plus my Father in law is an Architect – In Nottingham!)

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...is the online home of Simon Kitson, a web designer with a healthy enthusiasm for standards-compliant, accessible design and a penchant for blogging about nothing in particular.

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