Essay

Compare and contrast the development of architectural styles seen in today’s London skyline.

Technology has developed over the centuries resulting in the development of architectural styles. As you admire the London Skyline the evolution of architecture has become clear. London is renowned for its various styles and is considered influential to architectures around the globe. Societies opinion on the development may vary. Some may question if the progression of the skyline is appreciated. London is praised for their Historical Values. Will the evolution of architecture overwhelm the skyline and draw attention away from London’s historical Monuments? 20 Fenchurch Street has caused diverse opinions, although it is a key example of modern construction, flaws in the design has resulted in reduced safety. Reports show how the glass used in construction can melt objects when the sun hits. Has the concentration on appearance distracted architectures away from stability and safety?

I will explore the progression in the construction of London’s Sky Line and how it has matured over the centuries. Focusing on the comparison between monuments from different eras, and the society’s varied opinions of the development.

In 1078 the Tower of London was produced, and to this day it’s fascinating architectural style is appreciated globally. Tower of London is admired for numerous reasons. The history and purpose behind this monument is a main interest to many tourists. When William the Conqueror constructed the Tower of London, it became a symbol of oppression. During its early years it was used as a residence to the Royals, as centuries passed its main purpose was a prison. In today’s society construction of buildings are designed to fit their purpose, this was the same situation during the previous centuries. As a whole, the Tower is a complex of several buildings set within two concentric rings of defensive walls and a moat. There were several phases of expansion, mainly under Kings , and Edward I in the 12th and 13th centuries. The architectures from previous centuries may have different styles, but their idea of construction to fit purpose is the same.

In my graphic design coursework , i start with the basic skill to create a design which fits the purpose/ brief , as my skills develop i will still create designs to fit purpose , but will consist of more complex techniques. The development of architecture is the same .

During the ancient periods, royals would have more authority over construction and design of these buildings.

As time has developed, government and architectures are the main contributions to the London Skyline. The theory behind this change is a combination between the industrial revolution and the 2 world wars. The Industrial revolution was the transition to new manufacturing processes in the period from about 1760 to sometime between 1820 and 1840. This transition included going from hand production methods to machines, new chemical manufacturing and iron production processes, improved efficiency of water power, resulting in the increase of steam power and the development of machine tools. It also included the change from wood and other bio-fuels to coal. This development was the birth of modern architecture. The shard is a key portrayal of today’s modern architecture. The 87-storey skyscraper stands out among the skyline, and is now known as the tallest building in the European Union. Charles Jencks “As for positive visual metaphors, the Shard provides a ‘navigation point’ for lost Londoners, popping helpfully into view at many points”. It has become clear that height is a main factor in the architectural competition. The competition between architectural styles has always existed. Instead of it being competition between royals it has now became a global tournament between architectures. 20 Fenchurch Street is a recent contributor to modern architecture and has already created diverse opinions. The ‘walkie talkie’ is now still under construction and is planned to be office space in March 2014. It too, is considered a ‘sky scraper’ and can be seen among London Skyline. Reports about the danger of the Walkie Talkie were immediately brought to attention. When the sun hits the buildings glass, concentrated heat was burning objects around the building. This made the public question “ Has the concentration of appearance distracted architectures away from health and safety?”

These representations of London’s skyline show the positives and negatives between the architectural styles during these different eras. They portray their purposes and requirements and how they have developed over the centuries. The purpose of buildings has immensely changed. We admire the history and style that comes with the famous monuments such as the Tower of London. Many monuments during this era were used for Royal residence, prisons, and human function. During World War 2, people from all over the globe immigrated to England in hope for better life and success. This enormous increase to the Uk population caused sudden effect. Thousands of buildings were constructed to provide housing for the population.

With little ground space, height became an architectural break through. Flats and office buildings were built to cope with the large population. Building up meant less ground space was used, and more places for residence. New York is a key representation of height in modern architecture. It is believed that due to World War 2 in England, the development of industrial revolution came to a stand still. During this era, height was needed for purpose rather than competition. As New York was not extremely effected by war , their revolution continued , it is considered that New York represents the future of architectural style. Now in the 21st century, England is back in the competition and began to see architectural height in a different way. The fascination with height has become the latest architectural craze. Francesco Bandarin, UNESCO’s new assistant director-general for culture: “ The landscape of London is completely transformed — has somehow burst into a kind of small Shanghai “. It became clear that constructing buildings which create height would require a lighter material. During the 11th Century, buildings were constructed of stone and brick, these were carefully carved and planned to create an overall historical design. As reflected by The Shard and 20 Fenchurch Street, today’s common material for construction is Glass. The history of materials has developed due to various factors, technology, capability, money and machinery. During the 11th century, technology had not yet been discovered, meaning construction would only consist of manual labour therefore brick was the most common source of construction material.

Erosion of historical buildings became a main contributor to the Industrial revolution. Architectures realised that new materials were required to help modern architecture last for centuries. This technology development has helped every industry possible. My graphic design coursework would be incredibly different if i did not have the technology available to me, like architecture, graphics was limited which we could only create with basic tools and materials. With the technology that is available to us it has now enabled architectures to create their designs on computers, with the assistance of machinery and endless financial contributors; it has allowed architectures the freedom to create whatever they desire.

Sky is their limit – literally.

This revolution has caused diverse opinions, the public question “ will our historical monuments be demolished to make from for modern architecture”. As a country we are proud of our historical architecture and are keen to share it with the globe. When we hear the word demolishment we automatically find someone to blame. Modern architectures are an easy blame for the British public; many civilians assume it is their fault for persuading the government to demolish these much-loved monuments. We can be arrogant and find it incredibly easy to point blame, but it is proven that the British do not always look on the logical side. We fail to consider the building inspectors may have made this decision, due to safety faults. Many historical buildings are constructed from stone which has a tendency to erode, therefore the decision must be made to demolish these monuments in a safe environment rather then risk the safety of their tourists. Yes, it is more than likely if the monument is demolished then it will be replaced by a 100ft piece of glass. This does not excuse us to be so negatively judgemental. The government earns millions in tourist attractions each year; we must consider that these moneymaking minds may not appreciate the demolishment. The demolishment will be costly, and will cost even more to replace the space it has left behind. For the public and the press, the government may be an easy blame, but it is not the realistic answer. As a country full of critics, many of us don’t appreciate these random shards of glass that have been pin pointed around our skyline. Many of us agree that these modern architectures stand out in the London skyline. The reality is that London does not have as much space as it did in the 17th Century. We fail to realize that although architectures may concentrate on the height competition, in reality it does fit its purpose. It creates housing and space for hundreds with little land needed, and as a developing country space is what we lack. Edward Lister, London’s deputy mayor for planning: “You cannot allow development to be stalled in a city like this. London’s grown by 600,000 people in just the last five years. And we will be over 9 million people before New York. That’s the pressure that the city’s under.”

In century’s to come, todays modern architecture will be considered a historical monument, although we may not be able to create a historical story like the Tower of London, it is a key representation of todays modern architecture. It is not surprising our society has lost faith in architecture designers. Although we can be unfairly critical there is reason behind our assumptions. Recently there have been many faults in London’s architectural designs. Our taxpayer’s money is spent on these designs; therefore we do not accept errors and become infuriated when they are made. 20 Fenchurch Street has caused frustration in the British public. Flaws in the design show that when the sun hits the glass of the skyscraper, the concentrated heat has the power to burn objects surrounding the building. The Jaguar of Martin Lindsay was melted due to the architecture fault.

Martin Lindsay says, “ They’re going to have to think of something.

I’m gutted. How can they let this continue?” Taking into consideration that £200 million of taxpayers money was spent on the design and construction of the ‘walkie talkie’ we can’t blame the public for their frustration and loosing faith in architecture designers. Charles Jencks: “Europe’s biggest buildings demand to be judged at the highest level”.

nsidering that were an over populated country who have lost faith in the government, it is not surprising that the British public have a negative outlook on the future of London. The competition between architectures has become so fierce that maybe they concentrate on appearance more than safety. The British public’s critical opinion will eventually remind our architectures that safety is the most important part of any architectural design. It is incredibly difficult to please everyone, many of us appreciate the historical monuments and refuse to stand by and let the government destroy them. Many civilians will look at the monuments as a waste of ground space. Meaning no matter what decision the government make, there will always be a diversity of opinions. My opinion is that we must admire historical monuments whilst we can, and that they must only be demolished if there are problems with structure and safety. If flats, which are sky high, replace the space we must appreciate that too. As each monument / architecture design is created to represent the purpose and century it was created in. Our modern designs may not consist of an interesting story behind it or have a unique purpose, but it is what represents today’s technology and lifestyle. I believe one-day tourists will come around the globe to see 21st century buildings and consider them as historical designs. London will continue to grow and develop we may have a negative outlook on the future of London, but we should appreciate the development and the different styles which are introduced to us. The government may not be able to preserve the current monuments forever, but hopefully the British public realize how lucky they are to be able to admire London it gives us the opportunity to Compare and Contrast the Development of Architectural Style seen in London’s skyline.

For this reason I admire architectures, they plan, design, develop, deal with critics’, and then improve. This is a similar process that I have followed throughout my work. My work consists of experiments, text and final outcomes. For these designs I will receive constructive critism to make them better. This is why I choose to concentrate on this particular essay, I can relate to many sides of the argument. I can see the point of view of a critic but also as an architecture/designer. I understand that we must admire old and original monuments but should also be open minded to development and diversity. In my work I show stages of simplicity, where I appreciate the basics of graphic design. As my skills develop my work improves, but I am still able to appreciate the development. This is why I can relate to the opinion of the British public, yes-modern architecture may overwhelm the skyline, but it allows us to appreciate the stages or architecture.