Controversial tulip-shaped skyscraper project in London
London City Airport has warned that its 305m Norman Foster tower project could disrupt air traffic control systems.
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Controversial tulip-shaped skyscraper project in London |
Norman Foster Tower, a proposed tulip-shaped skyscraper in London, has been facing fierce opposition since planning began on November 13. Most recently, London City Airport warned city officials about the project's potential problems with air traffic control systems.Guardianreport
The Norman Foster Tower is designed to be 305 metres tall, consisting of a 12-storey tulip-shaped glass structure built on a concrete pier. Inside this “glass sphere” are bars, restaurants, galleries and an observation deck. When completed, the project will surpass the London Eye (135 metres) to become the city’s tallest revolving observation point.
Architect Foster proposed a tour service using an elliptical rotating elevator system at the top of the tower, allowing people to view the city inside 3-meter-wide transparent glass chambers, with a trip lasting about 8 minutes.
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Sightseeing service by revolving elevator system. Photo:Foster & Partners. |
However, engineering experts at London City Airport (10km east of the tower) have said that the revolving elevators could interfere with air traffic control radar. An airport spokesman has asked authorities to reconsider granting the project permission.
The Norman Foster Tower has also received a lot of criticism from city residents due to concerns about environmental pollution and noise during construction. "As a resident of Petticoat Tower, I am against this project. It will cause noise pollution and turn the neighborhood into a construction site for years to come, affecting real estate prices as well as the daily lives of residents," said Anastasia Shteyn.
Architecture critic Oliver Wainwright also did not appreciate the Norman Foster tower project, saying that this tulip-inspired structure actually reminded more of a coconut or an egg sitting on a cup.
