'Tulip Tower' Doesn't Clear the Mayor's Desk in London

A 984-foot tower, with an observation deck, shaped like a tulip, won over planners, but not the mayor, in London.

1 minute read

July 17, 2019, 10:00 AM PDT

DBOX/Foster + Partners / via The Architect's Newspaper

"London mayor Sadiq Khan has today dismissed plans for the so-called 'Tulip Tower' designed by Foster + Partners, describing the building as 'unwelcoming' and 'poorly designed,'" reports Jason Sayer.

In March, Jonathan Hilburg was reporting that the singular looking building was on the path to approval after planning officials announced their support for the project.

Despite that early, key support, the project has been met with "ardent opposition," according to Sayer. Duncan Wilson, chief executive of Historic England was quoted in toldThe Guardian, saying "The setting of the Tower of London, a symbol of the city not just to millions of Londoners but to the whole world and one of our most visited places, will be harmed. It has already been damaged by the Walkie Talkie and it would be a great shame if that mistake was repeated."

FULL STORY: London's mayor blocks Foster + Partners' Tulip tower

Monday, July 15, 2019 in The Architect's Newspaper

Architecture United Kingdom London The Tulip Foster + Partners Starchitecture Starchitects Mayor Sadiq Khan View More

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Start Learning

Advertise with us

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.