How tall is too tall?

The article delves into the global phenomenon of skyscraper construction and specifically examines the debate surrounding building height restrictions in Canberra, Australia. It highlights the ongoing 'tall tower race' exemplified by projects like the Jeddah Tower, set to become the world's tallest skyscraper upon its anticipated completion in 2020. This $1.8 billion structure, boasting 252 storeys, including a high observation deck, a five-star hotel, serviced apartments, offices, and residential units, represents the ambition to achieve unprecedented architectural heights. Historically, various cities have vied for the title of the world's tallest building, with structures such as New York's Chrysler and Empire State buildings, Kuala Lumpur’s Petronas Towers, and Dubai’s Burj Khalifa all holding the record at different times. The article questions the sustainability of this race and when a building will be 'unbeatably tall.' The central theme shifts to the more localized and pertinent question for most cities: 'how high should we go?' This question is particularly relevant to Canberra, where strict planning regulations, notably RL617, cap building heights at 617 meters above sea level. This restriction typically translates to 12 storeys for commercial buildings and 15 for residential ones, with residential buildings sometimes having additional floors due to lower ceiling heights. An example of development pushing these limits is Morris Property Group's two 18-storey residential buildings along City Walk, which are designed to meet the maximum height. The article explores whether it is time for Canberra to reconsider this maximum height limit, citing the perspective of architect Shannon Battisson, who argues that Canberra's planning rules are arbitrary and lack contemporary relevance. She suggests that while unchecked density is undesirable, endless urban sprawl is equally problematic, advocating for a balance that incorporates green spaces, similar to high-rise cities like Hong Kong. Yuri Leong Maish, a senior architect, supports increasing building heights in Canberra but emphasizes the need for comprehensive planning rather than a fragmented approach. She acknowledges the importance of preserving sightlines to Canberra's surrounding mountain ranges and the iconic Parliament House, for which RL617 was initially established. However, she argues that the rule's strict application to the city center is less critical due to the buffer zone provided by the lake separating it from the Parliamentary Triangle. Maish highlights Singapore as a model where tall buildings are integrated with public amenities like gardens and recreational areas, ensuring that increased density contributes positively to the urban environment. She stresses that the design of tall buildings should consider not only their occupants but also the broader community and the visual impact from a distance. The article also references Chief Minister Andrew Barr's criticism of what he termed a 'small-town, backwards, 1940s mindset' among some Canberrans regarding height restrictions. Barr's remarks underscore the political and public debate surrounding urban development and height limitations. The article concludes by contrasting Canberra's current aversion to tall buildings—articulated as being 'incompatible with the established character and amenity of the area'—with the historical resistance to skyscrapers in other cities, such as Kansas City as satirized in 'Oklahoma!'. This comparison suggests that Canberra's current sentiment, while locally specific, echoes broader historical patterns of resistance to urban verticality. #UrbanPlanning #Skyscrapers #CanberraArchitecture #BuildingHeightRestrictions #CityDevelopment #ArchitecturalDebate #UrbanDensity #SustainableUrbanism #RL617Rule #UrbanPlanning #Skyscrapers #CanberraArchitecture #BuildingHeightRestrictions #CityDevelopment #ArchitecturalDebate #UrbanDensity #SustainableUrbanism #RL617Rule