London is home to quite a few iconic skyscrapers, but very few will be as tall as 1 Undershaft, which will be the second-tallest tower in London and in all of the UK. What's notable about this particular tower is the fact that it will be home to the UK's highest public viewing gallery as well as its highest restaurant.
Designed by architect Eric Parry of Aroland Holdings, this building will be nearly 295 feet tall. Its base will play home to a public square and an elevated reception space that will allow people to walk right under the building. The public viewing gallery will be accessible via dedicated elevators, and will offer unparalleled views of the city of London.
1 Undershaft is different from other skyscrapers in that it embraces the public rather than isolate the majority of them, thanks largely to its elevated public square and free viewing gallery.
Populist Public Skyscrapers
The 1 Undershaft Tower Welcomes Engagement From London Residents
Trend Themes
1. Public Skyscraper Engagement - Designing public skyscrapers with elevated public spaces, such as public squares, can foster greater community engagement and interaction.
2. High-rise Multi-functionality - Integrating multi-functional elements, such as public viewing galleries and restaurants, into a skyscraper design can provide additional value and revenue streams.
3. Urban Land Use Optimization - Maximizing urban land use by integrating tall structures with public spaces can create new opportunities for community engagement, entertainment, and commerce.
Industry Implications
1. Architecture and Engineering - Architects and engineers must be creative in enhancing public experience in skyscrapers and addressing the impact of height on urban design.
2. Tourism and Hospitality - Sky-high restaurants and public viewing galleries present new opportunities for the tourism and hospitality industries to offer unique experiences and expand their customer base.
3. Urban Planning and Development - Integrating public space elements in skyscraper designs requires consultation with urban planning and development experts to ensure the buildings align with city planning goals and urban aesthetics.