Critical Regionalism in the Heart of the City

The dense urban centers that make up many of the world’s largest cities seem especially prone to globalization and its effects on architecture. For example, in cities like New York that are an ‘urban jungle,’ developers continue to plan new skyscrapers that have very similar typologies that could be seen anywhere in the world. While the skyscraper is part of the city’s identity, I feel that placing glass tower after glass tower can contribute to loss of culture in the city as well. So where is the line drawn? When does globalization overtake the city’s unique qualities and characteristics and who decides how to combat it? Some people might say that skyscrapers just need new forms or details to distinguish them, but I think the problem is deeper. Architects need to be involved earlier in the design process, either prior to or in close conjunction with developers. This would allow a more critical approach to what is being planned and how it affects the city’s fabric.

Manhattan from below

New apartment towers in Manhattan by SHoP Archtiects