Friday, April 11, 2008

Super-city vision for London






Could mega tower could be solution to city housing?

Plans to create a vertical super-city within London are under way and could solve the city's housing crisis. The 1500 metre 'New Town Tower' designed by Popularchitecture would be the world's tallest building and provide affordable housing for 100,000 people. The tower was designed by the London-based architects as an entry in an American design competition but Director of Popularchitecture, Tom Teatum, thinks the structure could be a new landmark for London. He said: “Importantly this building is designed to be public and integrated into the existing city.” The cylindrical structure would also offer 100 public spaces from an ice rink to tennis courts in open areas all the way up the tower. The firm are working with Gardiner & Theobald and Fluid Engineers on a feasibility report but if all goes well they will choose from seven areas along the Thames river and begin work with developers.