A stunning observation tower designed by ‘starchitect’ Norman Foster has gotten planning approval from London’s planning authorities, but that won’t save it from continuing opposition.
While backers of the ‘London Tulip’ claim “The Tulip would enhance The Gherkin, one of London’s most cherished and recognisable buildings and offer a new state-of-the-art cultural and educational resource for Londoners and tourists,” opponents say the 300metre-high structure would block views of the Tower of London, and there are concerns from London City airport that it would interfere with radar coverage.
If completed, it will basically be a tall elevator shaft with viewing and exhibit areas near the top, and would be Europe’s second-tallest tower, after the nearby Shard. At least, it will be as long as London is still in Europe.
And, as long as the ambitions of Danish clothing maker Bestseller stay on paper only. The company has plans to build a 320-metre headquarters in Brande, Denmark—a town of 7,000 residents. If built, it would be Western Europe’s tallest, almost the height of the Eiffel Tower. If.
