The relation of high structures with the urban texture: examples of London and Paris

Abstract

The positioning of high structures creates important effects on the city silhouette; even sometimes it is created by them. This silhouette could be in close relationship with the historical regions as well as developing outside the city. It was observed that tall buildings developed in two different ways in London and Paris. This study aims to examine the urban texture of tall building areas in two cities in terms of architectural and urban design aspects. The historical development of London and Paris, and the role of tall buildings in this process were compared. High buildings in London developed alongside with the historical texture, while in Paris they located in an especially reserved area outside the city. These different situations have developed with the city dwellers’ lifestyles, as well as created spatially different effects on them. In this context, the relationship of tall buildings with urban fabric is examined, and an example of a high building selected from each city is discussed. These examples are The Leadenhall from London and Tour First from Paris. It was concluded that the locations of the high buildings have an important role in the urban texture, and it also depends on politics to make decisions.