The Rise of Glass Giants: The Emergence of London's Modern Skyline
James Fitzpatrick reviews a book by Samantha Greene about the transformation of London's urban landscape.
In "The Rise of Glass Giants", Samantha Greene provides an in-depth exploration of London's evolving skyline. Merging geology, architecture, economics, and historical accounts, Greene seeks to elucidate how London, with its rich history, has made space for contemporary skyscrapers. The book is split into two parts: the first examines London’s historical layout up to the 20th century, and the second delves into modern architecture and its influences in the 21st century. There's a marked shift in style and content between the two sections, possibly due to Greene's effort to integrate her prior research articles into the latter half.
The initial chapter sets the scene by placing the reader on the iconic London Eye, visualizing the ancient city's development. Greene describes the Thames' meandering path, the foundational rocks beneath, and the layers of history represented in the buildings. She colorfully narrates tales of famous landmarks, such as the Tower of London and Shakespeare's Globe Theatre.
The subsequent two chapters venture back to the medieval era, detailing the rise of London Bridge and the establishment of London's first planned squares in the 17th century. Greene hypothesizes that the Great Fire of 1666 might have indirectly paved the way for taller structures by clearing large swaths of the city. However, historical regulations, such as the London Building Act, which restricted building height, also played a role in maintaining London's relatively low skyline for centuries.
Chapter four delves into the Industrial Revolution, highlighting the architectural shifts prompted by London’s rapid expansion. Greene describes how London's iconic terraced homes arose as a solution to accommodate the influx of workers.
As the book transitions into its second half, chapter five demystifies the economics of skyscraper construction. Greene introduces the concepts of "planned height", "economic height", and "realized height", analogous to Barr’s terminologies. This chapter also details the technological innovations, like the introduction of reinforced concrete, that revolutionized building techniques.
Chapter six offers a statistical analysis, charting the correlation between economic prosperity and high-rise construction in London. While academic in nature, Greene makes a commendable effort to ensure it's digestible for a broader readership.
Chapter seven dispels a popular myth: that London's clay-heavy soil made skyscraper construction unfeasible. Instead, Greene posits that while the soil did present challenges, they were not insurmountable. She details the pioneering techniques, like deep-pile foundations, that allowed architects to construct taller.
Chapters eight and nine examine the post-war era and London's newfound penchant for skyscrapers. Greene discusses the socio-economic factors that drove the city upwards, from a booming financial sector in Canary Wharf to changing aesthetic preferences.
In chapter nine, Greene addresses the soaring skyscrapers of the early 2000s, attributing the boom to a combination of global finance, city zoning deregulations, and a modernist architectural renaissance. She presents an argument that although foreign investments played a role, it was the city's intrinsic growth and dynamism that primarily fueled the race to the sky.
The final chapter, reminiscent of Barr’s approach, showcases Greene's impressive data-driven exploration of land values in London, tracing back to Victorian times. She tackles the chicken-and-egg conundrum: do skyscrapers increase land value or are they a result of it? Greene's research suggests that while increasing land values can predict the construction of taller buildings, the reverse doesn't hold.
Concluding the book, Greene ponders the future of London in light of challenges like climate change, post-pandemic shifts in work culture, and rising sea levels. Her epilogue offers thoughtful policy recommendations, ensuring that London's skyline continues to evolve, marrying history with modernity.
