Europe’s rich history and gradual urban development are major reasons why the continent has fewer skyscrapers compared to Asia and North America. Many European cities have centuries-old buildings and narrow streets that are not suitable for skyscraper construction. Europe’s urban development has been more focused on preserving historical landmarks, and there has been opposition from preservationists and concerns about disrupting city skylines. Despite being one of the most developed continents, Europe has lagged in skyscraper construction, with only five cities – London, Paris, Frankfurt, Moscow, and Istanbul – having built the majority of the continent’s skyscrapers. The speaker also discusses how European cities were less affected by the strong demand for floor space in strategic areas during the 19th century, and how a rivalry between Europe and North America influenced each continent’s approach to building skyscrapers. European buildings typically don’t rise higher than 250 meters, and most European skyscrapers are office buildings. The trend of high-rise construction in Europe is still on the rise, but thorough research on the evolution of high-rise structures in Europe is uncommon.
Europe’s strong desire to rebuild historic structures after World War II, along with a smaller population and different building priorities, prevented the widespread adoption of skyscrapers in Western Europe. The Soviet Union’s influence in Eastern Europe led to the construction of mid-rise buildings instead. The term “Brusselsization” was coined to describe the harm caused by haphazard reconstruction, leading to new planning regulations that restricted the size of new construction and mandated the preservation of historic facades. As a result, many Europeans viewed new buildings as lifeless or boring, and cities established restricted areas to prevent the construction of tall buildings near historic areas. The trend of building office skyscrapers in Europe began in the 21st century, with the majority of tallest and most spectacular projects being office buildings. European skyscrapers continue to prioritize functionality and context over impressive heights, with the average European high-rise building being about 130 meters tall. The demand for commercial space in major financial centers has led to the emergence of multiple towers in these locations, while smaller European cities have also seen growth in high-rise buildings.
How urban regions in Europe, particularly in Scandinavia and Central Europe, have maintained their economic significance while prioritizing sustainability, happiness, and well-being. However, the need for residential space, driven by population growth and the automation of rural businesses, is leading to an increase in demand for high-rise buildings. Europe is expected to follow this trend, but the continent’s historical significance and the desire to preserve its culture and architecture may pose unique challenges to the construction of skyscrapers. By 2030, 60% of the world’s population is projected to live in cities, and Europe may see a rise in skyscrapers to meet this demand, but the unique cultural and historical context of the continent may make the process more complex.