There is an ongoing debate about the size, shape and strength of our cities and how well equipped they are for the future. In the nation’s capital, this discussion has been intensified by concern over London’s proud history and its international standing – and whether changes to the built environment, and in particular its skyline, will protect that.
The predicted increase in population and rapid urbanisation mean London will continue to expand. We have to create more housing to give the additional 1m people that will settle here in the next decade a place to call home. And our reputation as a world-leading financial and creative centre means people want to do business here, so we need to provide an environment that allows them to thrive if we are to remain competitive.
And yet, the proposed scale of development and the grand schemes that are coming to fruition are making us question the direction we are heading in. Is it a sustainable future based on sound design and development principles that will increase London’s appeal for all who live, work and visit here? Or are we constructing buildings in the hope that they will define the sort of city we want to become?
Gwyn Richards, head of design for the City of London, outlined his view of the future when he said: “I think what we are looking for increasingly is less iconic buildings, less provocative buildings, fewer buildings that might have nicknames.”
Hundreds of tall buildings are planned for the capital, including several striking structures in the Square Mile. And as we continue to create the city of the future, the basis for good design will lie in exploring what is functional and future-proof. This is what Make set out to achieve with our design for the 700,000 sq ft 5 Broadgate, EC2, the new headquarters for financial services firm UBS. We took a modern approach to materials selection and carbon reduction. The stainless steel cladding system maximises natural light while maintaining high levels of thermal and solar insulation.
However, true sustainability will be measured by looking outwards, not inwards. Investors, residents, visitors and corporations will judge the capital on their ability to interact with it. Future-proofing will require designers and developers to place as much emphasis on the value created around buildings, as they do on the structure and the space within.
Richards also highlighted the importance of developing open and engaging spaces. On the Isle of Dogs, the public realm has driven the design of our 53‑storey residential scheme called The Madison, where 70% of the site is dedicated to attractive new gardens and an expansive children’s playground, both publicly accessible. This space is designed to encourage interaction and improve access to the waterside and Canary Wharf. We hope it will also help create an inclusive, well-connected community.
The London we see now hasn’t been shaped by a single vision or approach to the built environment – and nor should it be in the future. The city’s appeal lies in the way it has accommodated people’s vision, ambition and diversity.
Ken Shuttleworth is founder of Make Architects
