Opinions- Will Londons construction boom last?

[B890bT]

the last time London experienced such a construction boom as the one currently going on now was in the early 1970's. Many of the buildings built during that boom are now being knocked down to make way for the latest wave of buildings in London despite only being 40 years old, mostly tower blocks and office midrises/groundscapers.Will the current buildings under construction remain for the next 40 years or have architects and developers learnt more about clever design and appealing buildings to the extent that they may survive longer???

[pmun]

Originally Posted by B890bT

the last time London experienced such a construction boom as the one currently going on now was in the early 1970's.

Not quite the case - don't forget the big bang of '86 which unleashed a whole wave of post-modern delights in the City, Canary Wharf and Broadgate.

[DarJoLe]

I think the current expectation is about 25 years now.

[B890bT]

Originally Posted by pmun

Not quite the case - don't forget the big bang of '86 which unleashed a whole wave of post-modern delights in the City, Canary Wharf and Broadgate.

oops overlooked that one a bit, still applies though, whats to say we wont be knocking down the first of those buildings in 10 years time??

[randolph]

uhumm - Broadgate? Already being redeveloped.

[DarJoLe]

The more flexible the building the better in my mind. I agree that tearing buildings down after 25 years isn't a particularly sustainable way of doing things, but building with temporary elements, kit of parts, removable cladding and 'plug and replace' is the way forward. We need buildings that can adapt to changing technologies and environmental issues.

[B890bT]

Originally Posted by DarJoLe

The more flexible the building the better in my mind. I agree that tearing buildings down after 25 years isn't a particularly sustainable way of doing things, but building with temporary elements, kit of parts, removable cladding and 'plug and replace' is the way forward. We need buildings that can adapt to changing technologies and environmental issues.

Not many new buildings are doing that though,just look at london with dozens of sub-100 metre towers being clad in plastic and generally designed with only a single purpose in mind, if any of these newer buildings are to be torn down in 25 years then surely these will be the first to go

[Octoman]

Originally Posted by DarJoLe

The more flexible the building the better in my mind. I agree that tearing buildings down after 25 years isn't a particularly sustainable way of doing things, but building with temporary elements, kit of parts, removable cladding and 'plug and replace' is the way forward. We need buildings that can adapt to changing technologies and environmental issues.

Might as well build everything out of lego then.