London is one of the most influential cities in the world. Just like Paris, New York and Tokyo, all eyes of the world focus on the capital of the UK. For centuries, this has been the beating heart of the UK and with the river Thames piercing its way through the centre of it, it is a city that has a lot of character, history and charm. However, London, unlike other big cities across the world has been fairly restrained in the way that its architecture has changed.
This could be down to the fact that it is not a modern city like the likes of New York and Tokyo. At its very core is a city that is built on history and so, the city is strewn with historical buildings that have had to be built around in modern times. This is a city that was not a blank canvas like other cities and that could be the reason why development was slow.
However, as the 21st century got underway, so did the development of London. The city skyline is now adorned with a plethora of skyscrapers that really put London on the map in a modern way. This bustling city is lacking in space and so, many of the buildings and the architecture have had to go upwards with the likes of the Shard, the Gherkin and even the Cheesegrater at 122 Leadenhall Street. Also property owners suffer from lack of space, so they are trying ways to optimise the space with total home planning.
What sets these buildings apart from other buildings in London is their architecture. The new buildings that have popped up in the city over the past ten years take on a unique appearance. They all have mirrored windows and odd shapes that stand out. They take on strange angles and incorporate a modern yet different feel to them, with the aim of making them some of the most prominent, modern buildings in the world. Of course, the architecture still has to blend seamlessly with the buildings of past eras which include Georgian buildings and Victorian buildings while not forgetting the likes of Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament.
Each era can be clearly seen and defined and this is where the architecture of the buildings that have been introduced over the past ten years help to create a time stamp on the history of this wonderful city. London is a 21st-century city. It has to be because it is up there with the likes of New York and Tokyo. Therefore, this has resulted in architecture changing considerably. Some might say that the change in architecture is too much while others might say that the city was calling out for it. However, there is no doubt that the architecture clearly creates a talking point and makes for great viewing.
The skyline of London is one that gives it its character and that is achieved by great architecture. Over the past decade, London has changed considerably and so has the architecture, but times have changed and London needed to be pulled into the modern, 21st century.
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