VIDEO | How to make skyscrapers work for everyone
Tall buildings in cities like Liverpool can play an important role in delivering much-needed new homes without taking up much land. However, to be successful, they must be developed in a way that considers existing neighbours, according to participants at a roundtable discussion hosted by DeSimone.
Skyscrapers, like the ones planned by Davos Property and Beetham Group on Liverpool’s waterfront, were the topic of discussion at the roundtable that gathered developers, architects, council directors, and planners to debate what good looks like when it comes to tall buildings.
“It is really important that we are not just putting up these buildings in isolation,” said Darren Paine, principal at structural engineering firm DeSimone.
“[We need to] consider how they land and integrate and how they allow people who are not associated with the development to come in and use them.”
Key talking points:
- Viability is the biggest challenge to developing skyscrapers. A joint effort from private and public sectors, including national government, is required to bring them to fruition.
- Linking skyscraper districts with existing neighbourhoods and commercial centres is crucial to the viability of cities. Developing tall buildings in isolation will not work for anyone.
- It is not all about apartments. Delivering truly mixed-use neighbourhoods that provide places for people to live, work, and play can be instrumental in creating vitality.
- From a design perspective, tall buildings need to make a positive impression on the skyline but, perhaps more importantly, must also create a vibrant and inclusive environment at street level.
To learn more about what inclusive skyscraper development looks like, watch the video at the top of this article.
Participants
Hugh Frost, founder Beetham Group
Chris Capes, development director, Peel Waters
Darren Paine, principal, DeSimone
Rachel Harrison, principal planner, Pegasus
David Lord, director of property, Liverpool City Council
Sunny Johal, development director, Glenbrook
James Hind, partner, SimpsonHaugh Architects
Chris Bolland, managing partner, Brock Carmichael
Chair: Dan Whelan, deputy editor, Place North West
Liverpool doesn’t have the ambition Manchester has. Planning department and NIMBY councillors in Liverpool are a disgrace and no sign it will change.
By JS
On the other side of the coin what about completely inappropriate low-rise housing in the city centre and it’s fringes that has ruined the atmosphere and feel of inner-city Liverpool. Fantastic blocks like Gerrard Gardens, Sir Thomas White Gardens, all demolished to provide ugly, squat, semis.
Liverpool’s waterfront is ideal for high-rises and we can still incorporate them with our classic and older buildings to produce an attractive cityscape.
By Anonymous
You need the local council and mayor to really get behind ambitions projects like King Edward Triangle. Unfortunately in Liverpool ambition is seen as a dirty word to many.
By Carl
Liverpool was made for Skyscrapers with that waterfront. It’s time Labour locally stop being so narrow minded and grow up like MCR did 30 years ago.
By Thomas Allen
I agree with JS. There is just not the ambition in Liverpool.
By Anonymous
Agree with anonymous 1.51. Too many of our cities have developed ugly badly designed cheaply clad squat low rise buildings whether they be used for homes or offices. Properly zoned ie in designated areas and connected to the street they can work well.
By Anonymous
How many on the panel would be prepared to live with their families in a skyscraper? Or do they just for everyone else?
By Anonymous