Random truths about the city of London (original) (raw)
Related papers
The Wiley Blackwell Encyclopedia of Urban and Regional Studies, 2019
London has long played a multifaceted role within the United Kingdom. According to John Eade: From its origins as a port it has faced outwards maintaining trade networks radiating across Continental Europe and further afield. As the capital of an emerging nation-state it faced inwards. Within the capital there was another tension-between the City of London whose mercantile elite looked outwards and tried to maintain its privileges against the Church and a monarchy based not far away at Westminster. An expanding empire further increased these tensions as City of London investments in overseas markets encouraged the development of local industry and business elites who began to compete with British businesses and challenge imperial controls.
London, south-east of Britain, is the capital and largest city of the United Kingdom. Long time the capital of the British Empire, it is henceforth the political center and the seat of the Commonwealth. Founded almost 2000 years ago by the Romans under the name Londinium, London in the nineteenth century was the most populous city in the world. Now widely exceeded by many megacities, it remains a city of the first rank, because of its reach and its considerable economic power, mainly due to its status as the first global financial center.
London's local character and density
The Journal of Architecture, 2018
Context A growing city Really for the first time in London's history we are seeing a major programme of densification of areas prompted by a lack of land for new homes. Over the centuries, London has progressively grown outwards up to (and over) the Green Belt. Whilst the Second World War necessitated the re-planning and rebuilding of large areas, this decade is the first time we are identifying growth areas in order to recycle existing neighbourhoods and land. It is against this backdrop that Historic England commissioned Allies and Morrison to undertake a London-wide mapping of the city's character, identifying areas that could accommodate growth in keeping with their local qualities. A number of factors have combined to lead us to the current challenge. Since the 1930s and the establishment of London's Green Belt, development density has become an increasing focus for planning. The Compact City approach actively encouraged denser development from the Millennium onwards, with brownfield land the focus for change. The London Plans overseen by Ken Livingstone put significant emphasis on sustainable development, and this meant that accessibility became a major driver in identifying areas for growth. Under
fascinating essay by urbanist Paul Murrain which discusses in great detail the excesses of 'height' and elaborates on height regulations and the various essential aspects of urban comfort considered in successful cities, and also shows how exceptionally a mid-rise can be acceptable if it contributes to the beauty and comfort of the city and its citizens, etc. Extraordinary essay!
From Imperial Capital to Global City: Changing Identities in London
2006
London: An Ambiguous City London has long played an ambiguous role within the nation. From its origins as a port it has faced outwards maintaining trade networks radiating across Continental Europe and further afield. As the capital of an emerging nation-state it faced inwards. Within the capital there was another tension–between the City of London whose mercantile elite looked outwards and jealously guarded its privileges against the Church and a monarchy based not far away at Westminster.