Claire Locke, commercial director of VU.CITY, reflects on how the skyline in London is constantly changing, with tall buildings becoming increasingly prominent features.

The skyline of our capital city, London, is constantly changing, with tall buildings becoming increasingly prominent features. Over the past decade, we have witnessed a remarkable surge in the construction of tall buildings, each striving to define the city’s architectural landscape. This trend shows no signs of slowing down; in 2023, the number of planning applications received and approved for tall buildings in London rose by 25% compared to 2022. This surge has, and will continue to present both challenges and opportunities, as well as the need to adapt and innovate in the way we visualise and conceptualise these towering structures.

Visualisations play a pivotal role in the planning, design and development of these tall buildings. They serve as powerful tools for architects, developers and stakeholders to communicate ideas, explore design options and anticipate challenges. In recent years there has been significant advancements in visualisation technologies that are reshaping the way we perceive and interact with these buildings.

One notable innovation is the creation and use of large scale digital 3D models of cities to create immersive experiences to showcase tall buildings. Architects, designers and city planners can now walk through 3D digital models of their creations, allowing for a more intuitive understanding of spatial relations and design elements. This not only enhances the design process but also enables stakeholders to make more informed decisions early on, ultimately leading to better outcomes.

Utilising a large scale digital model of London has revolutionised the way we visualise tall buildings. Architects can effectively contextualise the surrounding environments of their scheme and present their designs in stunning detail, capturing lighting effects, materials, and textures with unparalleled accuracy and within the city context. These immersive visualisations not only help to sell the vision to clients and investors but also facilitate public engagement and garner support for projects.

Furthermore, the integration of Building Information Modelling (BIM) technology has enabled multidisciplinary collaboration and coordination throughout the entire lifecycle of tall buildings. By creating digital representations of buildings that contain information about every aspect of their construction and operation, BIM facilitates data-driven decision-making and enhances project efficiency. This not only streamlines the design and construction process but also ensures that buildings are optimised for performance and sustainability.

However, despite these advancements, challenges remain in effectively visualising the future of high-rise buildings in London. One such challenge is the need to balance innovation with practicality and feasibility. While cutting-edge visualisation technologies offer exciting possibilities, they must be accessible and applicable to all stakeholders involved in the development process. Moreover, there is a growing need for transparent and inclusive communication to address concerns related to the impact of high-rise buildings on the cityscape, heritage, and community.

Looking ahead, the future of building tall in London will be shaped by continued advancements in visualisation technologies and practices. From large digital city models to BIM, these innovations will enable architects, developers, and stakeholders to push the boundaries of design while ensuring that tall buildings are sustainable, resilient, and responsive to the needs of the city and its inhabitants.

By embracing these technologies and best practices, we can create a future skyline that is both visually stunning, socially responsible and environmentally sustainable, embodying the spirit of innovation that defines London as a global architectural capital.