London and the 200 skyscrapers; how architectural renewal could turn a classic city panorama into a monster of concrete, glass and steel.

A few months ago, the Mrs. and I had the pleasure of visiting two of the most impressive cities in Europe within a short period of time: London and Paris.

The last time when I visited London, had been around 1986: although many things and many famous objects remained virtually the same, I was nevertheless flabbergasted when I saw how London had evolved and through which changes the city had gone, in the meantime. 

What especially ‘shocked’ me, was how the area around the London Tower, the Tower Bridge and St-Paul’s Cathedral had morphed into a ‘skyscraper extravaganza’. It was impossible to ignore how these aforementioned famous historic buildings were visually overpowered by the newly-built high-rises, like a.o. the Gherkin. 

Even if you don’t know London by heart, you get the picture when you watch the following ‘night shots’, which I took from the Tower Bridge and Waterloo Bridge:

Skyscraper Extravaganza around the
London Tower and St-Paul's Cathedral
Picture copyright of: Ernst Labruyère
Click to enlarge

Skyscraper Extravaganza around the
London Tower and St-Paul's Cathedral
Picture copyright of: Ernst Labruyère
Click to enlarge

When I visited Paris a few weeks later, it struck me how much more this city had been able to separate the high-rise office buildings in its various business centres from the historical heart of the city around the Seine, the Eiffel Tower and the Elysée. Although time had not stood still in Paris either, the new office buildings blended in much better and never detonated in the heart of the city.

This feeling was emphasized, when I once again saw the leader for the wonderful, classic UK series ‘House of Cards’, which originated from 1990: a helicopter view on a London that has vanished into history.

I had to think about this, when I learned this morning that London planned to build 200 skyscrapers (of which 50 office buildings and 150 residential buildings) in the coming years. I don't know exactly where these high-rise buildings will emerge and if there are already high-rises in those areas.

I do hope, however, that the architects in London will have the discretion, the modesty and good taste to not further ruin the city panorama and leave the heart of London intact. And what a heart it is…

Nevertheless, when I take the current situation around St-Paul’s Cathedral into consideration, I have worries that the whole city panorama might soon turn into a monster of concrete, glass and steel and that London’s historic buildings will soon look like anachronistic pimples on a modern, emotionless face.

Of course, I do understand the need for more residential and office space in a city that grows so quickly and hosts so many people as London. However, this must happen with the utmost precision and with an understanding for the history of this beautiful city.

Now we still have the time to prevent historic architectural blunders from happening, but if we don't beware, the chance might be gone forever. 

So please, people in London: save your city from being ruined by architects with wild ideas and without a sense of historical understanding! Take the lead and say no against plans which are bad for your city!