A PRIVATISED SKYLINE //
T
he
verticalisation
of
London’s
skyline
concerns that high-rise development is threatening
however, isn’t without controversy. This
the internationally significant historic character of
upright redrawing of the skyline is often
London’s built fabric (Short, 2012).
against the wishes of residents, heritage groups and
More explicitly, the London Plan’s economy-centric
visitors. Initial opposition to the development of
approach to urbanism is criticised by Appert and
tall buildings in London was led by English Heritage
Montes (2015) who claim that the London Plan
and the Commission for Architecture and the Built
framework supports the proliferation of tall buildings
Environment (CABE) (Appert and Montes, 2015). More
within the city to satisfy its call for densification and
recently the Skyline Campaign, backed by over 80 high
economic growth. Whilst the need for densification
profile public figures, experts, and community groups
within London can’t be ignored, it is possible that
has led the debate on tall building development whilst
tall buildings are approved hastily by the politically
the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural
and economically powerful, with insufficient regard
Organisation (UNESCO) has organised a task group over
for the potential impact on the historic fabric of the
THE SKYLINE PARLIAMENT //
TOWARD A DEMOCRATIC SKYLINE//
A PRIVATISED SKYLINE
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