Skyscrapers of Europe
Skyscrapers are amazing feats of architecture and engineering. They have been dazzling us since the 1880s when the first very tall, multi-storied buildings were erected in the United States. Since then, skyscrapers have pierced cityscapes around the world.
This story was created for the Google Expeditions project by ePublishing Partners, now available on Google Arts & Culture
European architects have contributed to this movement, designing buildings taller, grander, and more innovative than ever before. In this Expedition, we’ll travel around Europe to stare up at some of these glass, concrete and metal giants.
Tap to explore
London, England: The Shard
London’s skyline was forever changed in 2012 when the final spire was put into place on the 95-storey Shard, one of the UK’s tallest skyscrapers, standing at 309.6 metres (1,016 feet). Neighbouring church spires and the historic masts of tall ships inspired Renzo Piano, the Shard’s architect.
Tap to explore
A Vertical City
The driving force behind the construction of most skyscrapers, now and in the past, has been the need for living and working space in ever-growing cities. The Shard is no exception. It is a vertical city, housing offices, shops, apartments, restaurants, and a hotel.
Tap to explore
Innovation
Innovation has been key in the evolution of the skyscraper. In the 1860s, advancements in the steel making process led to steel frame construction. The Shard utilizes extra white glass innovatively to create its eight “shards” or panels.
Tap to explore
Tap to explore
With its 54 floors of mostly housing, it’s also said to be the tallest residential building in Europe. It gets its name from its unique design. Architect Santiago Calatrava modelled it after a human body, turning from its torso.
Tap to explore
Going Up, Up, Up: Skyscraper Elevators
In the1850s, elevator improvements led to the rapid rise of skyscrapers. High-powered engines allowed elevators to rise quickly. A safety feature invented by Elisha Otis allowed them to stop safely. The Turning Torso has five elevators.
Tap to explore
Thousands of Windows
Skyscraper design and construction were affected by advancements in windows. Windows that could open or reflect the sun, for example, helped with energy-efficiency. The Turning Torso has more than 1,000 windows! Workers hang from metal baskets to wash them.
Tap to explore
Tap to explore
Skyline: Old Versus New
Developers of skyscrapers often face opposition to building locations. Laws banned the building of skyscrapers within the historic centre of Paris. La Défense, as result, was purposely located outside central Paris.
Tap to explore
Sky High Tourism
Skyscrapers boast some of the best views of any city. Over the years, La Défense has become a major tourist attraction. The top of the Hotel Meliá Paris La Défense has a panoramic view of Paris, which millions of people pay to see.
Tap to explore
Tap to explore
Some say the most controversial achievement of that period was the building of the Palace of Culture and Science, a skyscraper that still looms large over Poland’s most populated city at 231 meters (778 feet). It houses a huge hall, theatres, and museums.
Tap to explore
Skyscraper Symbolism
Skyscrapers can have symbolic meaning. In the 1950s, the Soviet Union built the Palace of Culture and Science as a ‘gift of friendship’ for Poland. However, many people opposed the Soviet Union’s policy of communism and its symbolic ‘gift.’
Tap to explore
Skyscraper Ornamentation
The height of a skyscraper is not always its most outstanding architectural feature. The Palace of Culture and Science, with more than 550 ornamental sculptures, is known for its elaborate decoration. Four architects based the decorations on elements of traditional Polish architecture.
Tap to explore
Tap to explore
Some of these skyscrapers will be, reportedly, among Europe's tallest buildings. Officials estimate that approximately 300,000 people will work and live in the complex, which would make it the first mixed-use zone in the country.
Tap to explore
The Sky-High Cost of Skyscrapers
Skyscrapers don’t get built without business deals involving complex loans and investments. Moscow City’s investors have spent an estimated $12 billion dollars since construction began in 2007. Federation Tower, Europe’s tallest building at 374 meters, reportedly cost $1.2 billion dollars.
Tap to explore
A Strong Foundation: City of Capitals
The foundation of a skyscraper can be as impressive as its above ground counterpart. Hundreds of piles of concrete support the twin skyscrapers known as of the City of Capitals (we can see only one of the towers here). Their six-level basement houses more than 2,200 parking spaces.
Tap to explore
Tap to explore
The international newspaper, the Financial Times, even uses a likeness of the tower as a symbol for its German edition. Commerzbank Tower is located in the business district of Frankfurt. Standing at 298 meters (978 feet), it is the tallest skyscraper in all of Germany.
Tap to explore
Skyscraper Festival
Many cities boast of their skyscrapers, but Frankfurt has a festival dedicated to its architectural behemoths. Each spring, the city opens its skyscrapers to the public for two days. Millions of people come to see the insides of buildings they have only glimpsed from the outside.
Tap to explore
Eco-friendly Sky Gardens
Commerzbank Tower is said to be the world's first ecological or ‘green’ skyscraper. Environmentally friendly technologies and materials were used when making it. Famously, the tower also has several large sky gardens, stemming from a central atrium.
Tap to explore
Japan Center
Skyscrapers don’t have to be ultra-tall to be distinctive. Frankfurt’s Japan Center is only 115 meters (337 feet) tall, but it stands out for its unique design that echoes traditional Japanese structures. The overhanging ‘roof’ suggests a Japanese temple.
You are all set!
Your first Culture Weekly will arrive this week.