Key considerations for designing tall buildings

For two decades, our team has gone above and beyond to create some of the highest quality architecture in the UK. We deliver high end designs, including homes and multi-unit housing, cultural spaces, and more. With a team comprised of the most skilled architects in London, we can exceed our clients’ needs. Most importantly, people get to truly live in the spaces we design.

At times, people like to build something a little taller. However, tall buildings affect a wide area. Due to this, you need to carefully locate and integrate them into the setting. It will enable their form, scale, and silhouette to work well with the structures existing around them. When you design tall buildings, there is much to consider. We want to discuss some of the most important considerations here so you know what to keep in mind.

Neighbours

Architects LondonFirstly, tall buildings need a positive relationship with neighbouring tall constructs and surrounding features. They also need to stand out from everything else. It can be difficult to balance these two factors, but the right design choices can accomplish it. Try to ensure your design is complementary but still unique.

The building’s architectural quality is more important the higher up it is because the visibility increases. Therefore, you need to look at the cladding materials, silhouette, proportion, massing, form, and scale.

The impact of the top

The top of your tall building specifically will be important due to its impact on the skyline. Additionally, it’ll affect views from a large distance away and the local streetscape. So, work with top architects in London to choose a design that will work for all stakeholders.

Tall buildings also need to set certain standards with the designs. They do due to their local impact and high profile. A development needs to interact with, and contribute positively to, its surroundings at all levels. At street level, it should help with social engagement, vitality, diversity, safety, and create a strong sense of place.

Your building also needs to be easy to spot. Tall constructs create opportunities to provide enhanced accessibility. This is while they open up views to augment the legibility of the wider cityscape.

Microclimates

One thing you shouldn’t underestimate here is the tall structure’s effect on the local microclimate. At the same time, the overshadowing effect and night-time appearance must be factored in. They are all things you should look at with architects in London, especially if your plot is in a busy built-up area.

The crucial thing to keep in mind is tall buildings can make areas around them significantly warmer. They can trap and reflect heat in the vicinity. Designs can also block wind or create wind corridors. There is an impact on shade too. If you aren’t careful, the area around a tall building can become uncomfortable or even dangerous.

The responsibility factor

Producing a well-crafted environment both outside and in contributes to the quality of life of everyone viewing and using a tall building. So, designers have a responsibility to ensure everyone has a great experience.

Lastly, proposals for tall buildings have to address their effect on historic landscapes, sites, and buildings. These are ones both far and near. For example, you can’t design a tall building if it will block a lovely sightline.

Work with creative architects in London

At Coffey Architects, we provide aid with all kinds of projects. Our experience includes bespoke new builds, renovations, and extensions. We’re capable of amazing things, giving clients the resources they need to create exceptional properties. In fact, many of our projects have won significant awards.

So, if you’re interested in working with the foremost architects in London, get in touch with us. We’ll work with you to design any kind of property, from tall offices and multi-unit housing blocks to individual homes.