A Unique Look to the Future: Potential London Skyline in 10 Years’ Time

Earlier this month Londonoffices created an info-graphic that showcased what the London skyline could have looked like today if more of the city’s planned developments had gone ahead. This idea and all the buzz of the New Year then got us thinking about what the London skyline may look like in 10 years’ time.

The most recent developments in the city have been mainly towering, fully glass designs that are desperate to make their mark within London and beyond – a trend that we certainly see continuing. From the Gherkin to the Shard and most recently the Scalpel, the current image across London is a pretty spectacular display of soft edges and sharp angles with ever increasing economically-friendly features.

One thing in particular that seems to be trending amongst new London office developments is viewing galleries. Nearly all structures currently in the pipeline for construction have incorporated this feature into their buildings. This is an effort to attract more tourism and to make these centres appealing to the wider public.

Below Londonoffices share their favourite three office structures planned for development over the next 10 years:

Significant Office Developments within the City:

22 Bishopsgate, TwentyTwo

                               – Penetrating the skyline at an impressive 278m, TwentyTwo will be home to the highest, free public viewing platform in London. Boasting 62 storeys the commercial building hopes to accommodate an estimated 12,000 office workers following its completion. Alongside office space the building will also feature a fresh food market, a curated art walk and the capital’s first climbing window – a vertiginous window that doubles as a climbing wall.

1 Undershaft, Trellis Tower

                              – Despite its uncertain start to life, the on/off Trellis Tower (TT) is finally going ahead. TT is to become the tallest building in the Square Mile and the second tallest building in London; the structure will hold a prominent position within the skyline of the future. The tower will measure 305 metres, comprising of 73-storeys within a slim rectangular cuboid design. Its roof will also host the UK’s highest public viewing gallery; other amenities include a dedicated Museum of London, interactive learning spaces and London’s highest restaurant.

70 St Mary Axe, The Can of Ham

– Undoubtedly a unique piece of architecture, 70 St. Mary’s Axe has already been nicknamed the ‘Can of Ham’. Accompanying the Gherkin in distinctive City buildings the office structure will deliver 41,515 sq. m of space over 24 floors. The centre’s design also incorporates retail accommodation and public realm improvements at ground level.

The unique architectural design has been developed with a number of economical and ergonomically based features in mind. For example, vertical shading fins to the curved facades and glazed double wall cladding to the end elevations will work to reduce solar heat gains to the office space.

London is a city that has fallen behind many other major cities such as New York and Hong Kong when it comes to the height of their skyscrapers. However, many would argue these designs do not work for London. The variety of architecture and the history that is vitally preserved in the city does not collaborate with overbearing buildings. Instead, many argue that London is a city that focuses its attention on the quality of its architecture and the benefits they bring to the city and its residents.

Let us know what you think about the new proposed new structures and the size debate in the comments below.