Compare and contrast the development of architectural styles seen in the buildings in London from a historical and contemporary perspective As technology and the design world for architecture have grown London looks more professional each year. This question allows me to explore the similarities and differences of London’s progress in style. I am able to explore reasons for each building and London’s range of well-known monuments. As the years develop the architecture in London aims to be unique. As I investigate this topic of research I could answer the following questions. How has London changed over the previous years? What influenced the design of the famous buildings in London? What are some of the similarities and differences between London’s old and new buildings? What are the future constructions of buildings in London? Do changes in architectural style reflect change in the public’s aesthetic? The architectural debate for form and function could be an area of interest. To explore this question gives me a great advantage in understanding London’s artistic designs and also adds to my own personal knowledge and design ideas. (1)“We've been designing more and more complicated glass boxes for 30 years, to try and reduce energy load with three layers of glass and louvres in between the sheets - rather than just accepting it should be a solid wall with a window in”- Ken Shuttleworth maker of the Gherkin. Shuttleworth is an example of how the architects in London are thinking out side the box but are also keeping an eye on its efficiency. The design for London’s building has rapidly changed and artists like Ken Shuttleworth have been along for the ride of London’s newest and historical developments over the last 30 years. With reference to the quote above, London is always on the brink of new and fresh designs, for the past 30 years and for the years to come. The change in taste has become more modern. This change in artistic direction reflects the buildings that we see in London. While comparing the historical and newer buildings I will start off by comparing St Paul’s Cathedral to the Shard.
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1720(5)
OWN IMAGE
2012(4)
(4)The Shard is made out of glass making it a sharp feature in London’s sky line. During the architectural designs English Heritage criticized Renzo Piano, and was told that the Shard is like "a shard of glass through the heart of historic London". However Piano believes that his design was sophisticated and has a more delicate meaning. The building is designed to reflect the weather; the glass panels are angled to reflect the sunlight and the sky in general. The general appearance of the Shard became a topic of conversation and Renzo Piano was inspired by a number of images including the railway lines at the station next to the building, the spires from the 18th century tradition from the painter Canaletto and lastly the masts on ships. Piano’s inspirations are based on tall and striking objects, which is how the Shard can be seen by the public. The shard belongs to Sellar Property and the State of Qatar with joint owner ship with Sellar Property on behalf of LBQ ltd.