September 11, 2002—A Select Committee report has shed doubt on the future of tall buildings saying theyre not essential for London as a global financial center but that companies see them as prestigious.
The report claims that tall buildings dont necessarily achieve higher densities than mid-or low rise developments and that they even can be less efficient use of space.
Although tall buildings are energy efficient and offer companies the ability to be part of a mixed used development, other types of high density properties can achieve the same. “Tall buildings are more often about power, prestige, status and aesthetics than efficient development,” says the report.
Tall Buildings, by the Transport, Local Government and the Regions Committee, claims that the transport system is far more important for the future than the construction of more high rise buildings, but doesnt claim they should not be built.
Following September 11 there is also the issue of safety. Although the report claims there is room for improvement, which would incur extra costs for companies, tall buildings should not bee seen as inherently unsafe.
If more tall buildings are to be built however the design and their location must be considered: “We must never repeat the mistakes of the 1960s vividly illustrated by Bath where a single tall building insensitively sited and feebly designed has harmed the setting of a great historic city.”
The report suggests that proposed guidance from CABE and English Heritage would be strengthened if it were endorsed by Government and that PPG1 should be amended to include a section on the assessment of tall buildings.
—Jessica Jarlvi
Reprinted with permission; copyright 2002 i-FM
