We are talking about a 25-storey building with 116 apartments, which should appear in the center of Shoreditch, opposite the planned train station there. This area, on the one hand, has partially preserved a historical semi-slum development reminiscent of the times of Dickens, on the other, it has already earned a reputation as an entertainment center for London's bohemia. There are also editorial offices of magazines, design studios, art galleries and artists' workshops. And it is the latter that most actively protect the unique appearance of Shoreditch from large new buildings.
It is indeed difficult for Leavith Tower to fit into the fabric of the Victorian era. Firstly, its significant size hinders: the entire environment is occupied by buildings of a small scale. Secondly, its curvilinear volume, which, according to the architect, will make it possible to control lighting and shading in the building itself and in the surrounding buildings, which the tower would otherwise have hidden from the sun, differs sharply from traditional brick buildings. The facade made of glass and sheet zinc does not help either. There is a danger to Shoreditch's individuality, according to activists both from among artists and among "ordinary" local residents. They say that about 1000 letters have already been filed against the project, and the examinations carried out have proven that it is harmful to the image of the district. Municipal authorities are more restrained, saying they have received only 440 written protests so far.
On the other hand, in the opinion of many, the area bordering the City, but still underdeveloped (among the residents, however, not famous artists prevail, but people from Bangladesh, living in dilapidated buildings of social housing) needs new buildings, and its historical appearance long distorted by new "inclusions" - much less interesting than the planned tower. Moreover, in its base, which, according to Amanda Leavit's plan, should correspond to the usual local scale, there will be a market, shops for rent to local entrepreneurs, and an art gallery.
N. F.
