Amsterdam bans creation of new hotels
Another piece in the overall strategy to reduce tourist flows to the city
The city reaffirmed its commitment to a low profile after facing backlash from the construction of Tour Triangle
The City of Paris has adopted a new urban development plan (Plan Local d’Urbanisme), which states that it will not allow the construction of buildings taller than 12 storeys, or 37 metres. The aim of the new plan is to focus on environmentally friendly and sustainable construction and keep architectural output to a profile that conforms to what is already on the ground.
Apparently, Parisians aren’t too keen on the idea of making their beloved city look more business-like akin to London or New York. What’s also notable, however, is that this kind of story seems to repeat every few decades. By now, we all know that the symbol of the French capital – the Eiffel Tower – was only meant as a temporary exhibition during the 1889 Expo and its iron profile was much hated and shunned by the locals. But it stayed as a compromise, plus it attracted tourists.
Likewise, there was a ban on high-rises between 1977 and 2010. That one occasioned by another backlash stemming from the construction of the 209-m tall Montparnasse Tower, which admittedly does sit a bit awkward in the sea of churches and residential buildings. That monolith is also the second-tallest building in Paris.
That ban was overturned by former mayor Bertrand Delanoë in favour of a limit of 180 metres for office towers and 50 metres for housing blocks. And surprise, surprise – here comes another backlash. This one provoked by the construction of the Triangle Tower (Tour Triangle).
That glass pyramid, whose construction began in 2021 and will be completed in 2026, is set to become the city’s third-highest building and add a new permanent landmark on the skyline of Paris. The building is in a trapezoidal form, meaning it will resemble a thin tower from central Paris, but from the east and west of the city, its full width will be visible. What’s sure is that it will be impossible to ignore and thus not to everyone’s liking.
The controversy arising from its construction seems to have influenced the latest ban on high-rises. For how long though – who knows?
Still, for lovers of skyscrapers, there is always the business district of La Défense. For everyone else, Paris seeks to retain its Old World charms as best as it can.
Silesian is spoken by about half a million people in the south of the country
Legislators and magnates have to await a preliminary ruling from the European Court of Justice
The building will then serve as the site for a new museum dedicated to Finnish-Russian relations
The tool helps identify undeclared swimming pools and garden sheds
It will serve as a virtual companion to the municipal network of libraries in the country
In addition, the federal government has launched the National Week of Action against Bicycle Theft to raise awareness of the issue and the new solution
The tests are also experimenting with a charging point that is easier to maintain
Reportedly, the aim of the local government is to curb violence and disorder among the youth
The city thinks that it’s time to update pet-related street cleanliness rules for the 21st century
Yes, you guessed it right, that also includes baguettes and cheeses
Reportedly, the aim of the local government is to curb violence and disorder among the youth
Silesian is spoken by about half a million people in the south of the country
Urban dwellers across the EU are having a say in making their surroundings friendlier to people and the environment.
Forests in the EU can help green the European construction industry and bolster a continent-wide push for architectural improvements.
Apply by 10 November and do your part for the transformation of European public spaces
Catch up with some recommendations for the 2024 European Capital of Culture programme from the mayor of Tartu
An interview with the ICLEI regional director for Europe аfter the close of COP28
An interview with a member of the No Hate Speech Network team