Why Europe has so few skyscrapers | BBC Global

Summary

The video script explores the disparity in skyscraper development across the globe, highlighting Europe's minimal presence in the list of tallest buildings. It attributes this to stringent regulations aimed at preserving cultural heritage, using examples from Rome, Athens, and Paris. The script also touches on London's challenges due to laws protecting views of St Paul's Cathedral. It ponders whether Europe's restraint in vertical construction is due to being overshadowed by more modern cities or a deliberate choice reflecting a different perspective on progress.

Takeaways

• 🏙️ Skyscrapers are viewed as symbols of progress and modernity by some, but seen as ugly by others.
• 🌍 The world has been eager to build skyscrapers, with Europe being a notable exception.
• 🏗️ Only seven of the world's 1,000 tallest buildings are in the European Union.
• 🇨🇳 China is quickly catching up to North America, the birthplace of skyscrapers, while the tallest building is in the Middle East.
• 🇪🇺 Europe's skyscraper growth is stunted due to complex regulations, often aimed at protecting cultural heritage.
• 🏛️ In Rome, buildings cannot exceed the height of St. Peter's Basilica to preserve the city's ancient architecture.
• 🏛️ Similarly, in Athens, buildings are restricted to 12 stories to avoid blocking views of the Parthenon.
• 🗼 Paris introduced laws limiting new buildings in central areas to 37 meters after a highly disliked skyscraper was built in 1973.
• 🏙️ London has some tall skyscrapers like The Shard but faces restrictions due to protected viewpoints that preserve views of St. Paul's Cathedral.
• 🔍 Europe's resistance to building upwards could reflect either an aging continent being left behind by younger cities or a deliberate rejection of skyscrapers.

Q & A

What is the general perception of skyscrapers among people as mentioned in the script?

The script suggests that skyscrapers are seen by some as the ultimate symbol of progress and modernity, while others view them as an unattractive disruption to the natural landscape.

How many of the world's 1,000 tallest buildings are located in the EU?

According to the script, only seven of the world's 1,000 tallest buildings are in the EU.

Which region is the birthplace of skyscrapers and which is rapidly catching up in terms of skyscraper construction?

North America is the birthplace of skyscrapers, and the script mentions that China is quickly catching up in terms of skyscraper construction.

Which region is home to the tallest building in the world?

The script indicates that the Middle East is where the tallest building in the world is located.

What is the main factor contributing to Europe's relatively fewer skyscrapers?

The main factor is the difficulty in building skyscrapers in Europe due to complex regulations aimed at protecting cultural heritage.

What is the height restriction for buildings in Rome's central area and why?

In Rome's central area, no building can exceed the height of the Dome of St Peter's Basilica to protect cultural heritage and avoid the wrath of the Pope or city bureaucrats.

What is the maximum number of stories allowed for buildings in Athens and why?

Buildings in Athens are limited to just 12 stories to avoid blocking views of the parnon, in accordance with regulations to protect cultural heritage.

What is the controversial skyscraper in Paris built in 1973?

The script does not specify the name of the controversial skyscraper, but it mentions that it was so disliked that a new law was introduced to limit building heights in central Paris.

What is the height restriction for new buildings in central Paris due to the controversial skyscraper built in 1973?

The new law introduced after the construction of the controversial skyscraper in 1973 limits all new buildings in central Paris to just 37 meters.

Why is it challenging to build skyscrapers in London despite having some tall buildings like The Shard?

It is challenging to build skyscrapers in London due to a 1938 law designed to protect the view of St Paul's Cathedral, with eight protected viewpoints that must preserve a view of the iconic Cathedral.

What are the protected viewpoints in London and their purpose?

There are eight protected viewpoints in London that ensure the preservation of the view of St Paul's Cathedral, which was once the tallest building in London at 111 meters.

What could be the reasons behind Europe's resistance to building skyscrapers?

The script suggests that Europe's resistance to building skyscrapers could be due to a conscious rejection of modernity, or because the aging continent has been left behind by younger cities eager to demonstrate their progress.